C’River Assembly passes anti-same-sex marriage bill for second reading

The Cross River State House of Assembly has advanced a bill aimed at prohibiting same-sex marriage and civil unions within the state, passing it for a second reading. The legislation, titled 'A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Contract of Marriage or Civil Union Entered into Between Persons of the Same Sex,' was introduced by Hilary Bisong, a member representing Boki II State Constituency, and co-sponsored by ten other lawmakers.

If the bill becomes law, it will outlaw the recognition and solemnization of same-sex marriages and civil unions in Cross River State. This prohibition would extend to unions contracted outside the state or even Nigeria. The legislation explicitly seeks to recognize only marriages between a man and a woman as legally valid and includes provisions for penalties against offenders and those who facilitate such unions.

During the plenary debate on Tuesday, lawmakers expressed unanimous support for the bill. They argued that it is a necessary measure to safeguard the state's cultural, moral, and family values. Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, emphasized the Assembly's constitutional and moral obligation to protect the institution of marriage as defined by the laws, customs, and traditions of the people.

"As representatives of the people, we have a duty to preserve the moral fabric of our society and enact laws that reflect the collective values of our citizens," Ayambem stated. "Cross River State has always upheld marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and this House will continue to defend that position." He further added that the Assembly would not endorse practices deemed inconsistent with the state's cultural and religious values. The bill will now proceed to the committee stage for further scrutiny before a potential third reading and final passage.

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As representatives of the people, we have a duty to preserve the moral fabric of our society and enact laws that reflect the collective values of our citizens. Cross River State has always upheld marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and this House will continue to defend that position.