President Jonathan Approves Bill Banning Same Sex Marriage, Homosexual Acts
SAN FRANCISCO, January 13, (THEWILL) - President Goodluck Jonathan has signed into law a bill outlawing same sex marriage in Nigeria in spite of pressures from the United States and other countries in the West.
Spokesman to the President, Reuben Abati, confirmed the signing to the media, without giving specifics on the time and date of signing.
The new law has the approval of an overwhelming majority in Nigeria as it is in line with the culture, religion and custom of citizens.
Nigeria's population has been projected to top 160 million, making it the most populous black nation in the world.
The law defines marriage in Nigeria as purely between a man and woman and the State will not recognize any same sex marriage certificate issued by a foreign country where same sex marriage is legal.
The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 punishes offenders with various jail sentences from 10-14 years.
The law prohibits marriages for same sex genders as well outlaws gay clubs, bars and associations.
Excerpts from the law reads: 'A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex: (a) is prohibited in Nigeria; and (b) 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 of a certificate issued by a foreign country is void in Nigeria, and any benefit accruing there-from by virtue of the certificate shall not be enforced by any court of law.
'No certificate issued to persons of same sex in a marriage or civil union shall be valid in Nigeria.
Only a marriage contracted between a man and a woman shall be recognized as valid in Nigeria.
'The registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, their sustenance, processions and meetings is prohibited.
'The public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly is prohibited.
' 'A person who enters into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment.
'A person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly makes public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.
'A person or group of persons who administers, witnesses, abets or aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage or civil union of supports the registration, operation and sustenance of gay clubs, societies, organizations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.
'The High Court of a State or of the Federal Capital Territory shall have jurisdiction to entertain matters raiding from the breach of the provisions of this Act.
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