Reps ban gay marriage: Homosexuals, lesbians risk 14-yr jail term

THE House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed for second reading a bill that sought to outlaw same-sex marriage in Nigeria, as it proposed 14 years jail term for homosexual and Lesbian offenders.
The bill, as passed by the House, is expected to be read the third time by the Clerk, before it would be harmonised with the version of the Senate before the president’s assent.
The House, at its session on Thursday, considered and approved “a bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex, solemnization of same and for other matters related therewith (HB. 197)” which had earlier been approved at Committee of the Whole on November 13, 2012.
Section one subsection two of the bill expressly stated that “marriage contracts or civil union entered between persons of same gender are invalid and shall not be recognised as entitled to the benefits of a valid marriage.”
Section 1(3) of the bill also warned that: “Marriage contract or civil union entered between persons of same gender by virtue of a certificate issued by a foreign country shall be void in Nigeria, and any benefits accruing therefrom, by virtue of the certificate, shall not be enforced by any court of law in Nigeria.”
The new bill also sought an outright ban of same sex unions in places of worship or any other place whatsoever in the country.
However, section three of the bill, as passed ,sought recognition only for “marriage contract between a man and woman, either under Islamic Law, Customary Law and Marriage Act,” which are the laws recognised in Nigeria.
The bill also sought to bar registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations, their sustenance, procession and meetings and also “the public show of same sex amorous relationship, directly or indirectly.”
Another section of the bill added 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 each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.”
While briefing newsmen, the House spokesman, Honourable Zakari Mohammed, maintained that the House, through the passage of the bill, decided to be on the side of God and the people and was not ready to rescind its decision.
He added that the House or the National Assembly could not be cowed by other countries who were hell bent on permitting same sex in their countries, especially some of the developed countries.
“We have culture and traditions, and we cannot ignore that. As far as we are concerned, we have done what the people want by passing the bill,” he said.
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