Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passed By House Of Representatives, Stipulates 14-Year Imprisonment For Offenders.
The House of Representatives Thursday passed the bill which prohibits same-sex marriage in Nigeria as it also placed a 10 to 14 year jail term for any offender.
In a unanimous vote, the House of Representatives gave approval for the; “bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or civil union entered between persons of same sex, solemnization of same and for other matters related there with.”
Specifically the bill proscribes the solemnization of marriage or civil union between persons of same gender in any place of worship either church or mosque or in any place in Nigeria.
According to the bill, it provides that; “persons that entered into a same gender marriage or civil union contract commit an offense and are jointly liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment each.”
It also specifies that; “any person, who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or indirectly make a public show of same sex amorous relationship commits an offence and shall be liable to a term of 10 years imprisonment.”
While the bill also recommends a 10 year jail term for; “any persons or group of persons that administer witness, abet, screen, shield and aid the solemnization of a same sex marriage contract or civil union or supports the registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, processions or meetings in Nigeria.”
It also makes invalid marriage or civil union accomplished between persons of same gender by virtue of a certificate issued in a foreign country.
Having joined their counterpart in the Senate who passed the bill in 2011, it is now left for the President to assent to it in order for it to become a law.
