Nigerian lawmakers advance bill to outlaw same-sex unions

Lawmakers in Nigeria's Cross River State have moved a step closer to outlawing same-sex unions, with the State House of Assembly passing a bill for its second reading. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit same-sex marriage and civil unions, and crucially, to bar their solemnisation and recognition within the state, irrespective of any existing laws or cultural practices.

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It also provides that certificates issued for same-sex marriages outside the state will not be recognised within Cross River, and courts in the state shall not enforce benefits arising from such unions, whether certificated or otherwise.

Sponsor of the bill, Hilary Bisong, cited biblical passages, including Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, and the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, to argue that marriage is exclusively a union between a man and a woman. He stated that the bill would ensure same-sex marriages or civil unions receive no legal recognition or benefits within Cross River State. Furthermore, certificates for such unions obtained elsewhere would not be recognised, and state courts would not enforce any benefits derived from them.

During the plenary session, lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, characterizing same-sex unions as inconsistent with their moral and religious convictions. Some members argued that such relationships are detrimental to society and advocated for legislative measures to discourage the practice. Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, expressed concern over what he termed "increasing sexual perversion" in the state and assured that stiff penalties would be prescribed to deter violations if the law is eventually passed.

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It also provides that certificates issued for same-sex marriages outside the state will not be recognised within Cross River, and courts in the state shall not enforce benefits arising from such unions, whether certificated or otherwise.

The bill's sponsor, Bisong, invoked Section 4(7) of the 1999 Constitution, which he believes empowers the state assembly to legislate for peace, order, and good governance. The proposed law would also prohibit the solemnisation of same-sex unions in various places of worship, including churches, mosques, and traditional shrines.

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This community, like many communities, are not getting a government focused on their needs.