In spite of protests from some countries, groups and activists
President Goodluck Jonathan has signed into law the Bill
which outlaws same s*x marriage.
The assent to the bill was devoid of fanfare to reduce diplomatic
tension, which it may likely attract.
Some foreign embassies were shocked by the development
leading to ‘curious’ inquiries from the Federal Government.
Despite the inquiries, the Federal Government said there was no
going back.
The signed bill says the gays, lesbians in Nigeria will risk a 14-
year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such
marriage.
Also, any person who operates or participates in gay clubs,
societies and organizations directly or indirectly will earn 10-year
imprisonment. Those who administer witness, abet or aid the
solemnisation of a same s*x marriage are going to bag 10-year jail
term.
The Senate previously passed the bill in November 2011.
Lawmakers in Nigeria’s house of representatives affirmed the
decision by the Senate on May 29, 2013.
The President assented to the Act last week, on January 7, 2014,
but the details on this action have just leaked the web.
“I certify that this Bill has been carefully compared by me with
the decision reached by the National Assembly and found by
me to be true and correct decision of the Houses and is in
accordance with the provisions of the Acts Authentication Act
Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. I assent,”
The assent note read.
“The President has signed the Same s*x Marriage (Prohibition)
Bill into law. This has foreclosed any pressure on President
Jonathan not to assent to the bill.
“We received inquiries from some foreign embassies on why
the bill was signed into law. But we told them that our cultural
values do not tolerate same s*x marriage.
“Also, we made it clear that since most Nigerians were
opposed to the bill, the parliament acted in line with the wish
of the majority. We are in a democratic setting, the President
has no choice than to bow to the wish of the people.
“These embassies were shocked but there is no going back.
We hope they will also abide by the decision of Nigerians,” a
source close the President revealed.
According to some abstracts, obtained by The Nation, the Act
reads:
“A marriage contract or civil union entered into between
persons of same s*x: (a) is prohibited in Nigeria; and (b) shall
not be recognized as entitled to the benefits of a valid
marriage.
The Act also stipulates the volume of the sanctions awaiting the
violators of the new law.
“A person who enters into a same s*x 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 dame s*x 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 s*x 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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