Senate Bans Same Sex Marriage
… 14 Yrs Jail Awaits Offenders
… As Mark Warns Western Nations Against Interference
ABUJA, November 29, (THEWILL) - The Senate Tuesday banned same sex marriage with the President of the Senate, Senator David mark warning western countries who were reported to have tied aid to same sex marriage to steer clear as they lacked the right to meddle into how Nigeria makes her laws.
The ban was sequel to the successful passage of the 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.
The bill, which now awaits House of Representatives concurrence places a 14-year jail term for persons who entered into such union with no option of fine.
Also, any person, who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organization, or directly or indirectly makes public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10-years imprisonment with no option fine.
The new law if eventually becomes an Act also punishes any person or group of persons that witness, abet and aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage or civil union, or supports the registration, operation and sustenance of gay clubs, societies, organizations, processions in Nigeria commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment, with no option of fine.
The bill which was sponsored by Senator Domingo Obende and five others specifically made the following declaration:
*Marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex is hereby prohibited in Nigeria.
*A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex is invalid and shall not be recognized as entitled to the benefits of a valid marriage.
*A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex by virtue a certificate issued by a foreign country shall be void in Nigeria, and any benefits accruing there from by virtue of the certificate shall not be enforced by any court of law in Nigeria
*Marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnized in any place of worship either Church or Mosque in Nigeria
*No certificate issued to persons of same sex in a marriage or civil union shall be valid in Nigeria.
*The re3gistration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, their sustenance, processions and meetings are hereby prohibited and;
*The public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly is hereby prohibited.”
The debate before the passage was passionate as every senator spoke in favour of the bill to the extent that Senate Ehigie Uzamere (ACN, Edo) advocating death for offenders.
The bill will now await House of Representatives passage and harmonization before it will be transmitted to the President for his assent.