Senate Bans Same Sex Marriage

The Senate in Abuja yesterday unanimously passed a Conference Committee Report banned same sex marriage in Nigeria.

The Bill provides that only marriage contracted between a man and a woman, either under Islamic Law, Customary Law or the Marriage Act is recognised as valid in Nigeria, adding that marriage or civil union between persons of the same sex will not be solemnized in any place of worship in Nigeria.

It further stated that a marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex by virtue of a certificate issued by a foreign country will be void in Nigeria and the parties involved are liable on conviction to 14 years imprisonment each.

Similarly, any persons or group of persons that administers, witnesses, screens, and aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage contract or civil union or supports the registration, operation of gay clubs, societies and organisations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offence and liable on conviction to 10 years imprisonment.

Senate President, David Mark called on President Goodluck Jonathan to speedily sign the bill into law. “We believe in this Bill” he said. “The earlier we sign it into law, the better. We (Nigeria) have many shortcomings, we don’t want to add this one to it.”