The House of Representatives yesterday approved a 14-year jail
sentence with no option of fine for the same sex couple even as it
outlawed gay clubs and societies in Nigeria.
Considering a report of a Bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or
civil union entered between persons of the same sex, solemnization of
the same and for other matters related, the lawmakers placed a 10-year
jail term for members of gay associations or those who engaged in gay
processions.
The lawmakers said any marriage or civil union entered into
by persons of the same gender was prohibited. The Bill on the same sex
was introduced on the floor of the House last year.
A public hearing on the matter was held in October 2012. The Senate
had also passed a Bill prohibiting the same sex union with similar jail
term for offenders. With the consideration of the report, the Bill would
now wait for harmonisation with the Senate’s version. Yesterday’s
consideration of the report was presided over by the Deputy Speaker,
Emeka Ihedioha.
The House resolved that “marriage contract or civil union entered
between persons of the same gender by virtue of a certificate issued by a
foreign country would be void in Nigeria and any benefit accruing there
from by virtue of the certificate would not be enforced by any court of
law in Nigeria.” It banned solemnization of the same sex marriage in
places of worship such as church, mosque and traditional places.
“Marriage or civil union entered between persons of te same gender
would not be solemnised in any place of worship either church or Mosque
or in any other place in Nigeria.” The lawmakers said only marriage
contract between a man and a woman either under Islamic law, customary
law and marriage Act is recoganised as valid in Nigeria” Describing the
same sex marriage as an absurdity that should not be allowed in the
country, the House ruled that no person(s) should be allowed to operate a
gay club.
“Any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs,
societies and organisations or directly or indirectly make a public show
of the same sex amorous relationship commits an offence and would be
liable on convictions to a term of 10 years imprisonment.”
It added: “Any persons or group of persons that witnesses, screens,
shields and aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage contract or
civil union or supports the registration of gay clubs, societies and
organisations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offence and
liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.”
On the courts that would have the jurisdiction to entertain the same
sex marriage litigations, the House stated that both the state and
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) courts were empowered to hear cases of
breach of any provision of the Bill. The chamber said: “High Court of a
state or of the FCT would have jurisdiction to entertain matter arising
from the breach of the provisions of the Bill.”
"Let he that is without sin cast the first stone"
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many people who signed up for the bill is secretly gay.
Now how does this bill work for people whi are born with both male and female organism present?
Was there a consultation with the Nigerian Public during the debate for this bill?
What is the general medical council take about this bill. There is medical evidence that people are born trapped in a body that is oposite to yheir mental health status. Was this put into consideration?
Mr Author....the bill is a good one..lets not play God
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