Reps adopts 14yrs imprisonment for Nigerian homosexuals
Contrary to the practice of most growing countries, the House of
Representatives has unanimously adopted 14 years imprisonment for anyone
found guilty of homosexual practice in Nigeria. The House
has also agreed that it was against the law for any religious leader to wed same sex partners.
This was contained in the controversial "bill for an act to prohibit
marriage or civil union entered between persons of the same sex,
solemnization of same and for other matters related therewith" passed on
the floor of the House.
The bill stands against gay clubs, societies and organizations across
the country, warning relevant agencies to avoid registering such
bodies.
While defending the resolution of the House, chairman, House
Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed stated that the
passage of the Bill was clearly an indication of the will of the people.
Mohammed who referred to the holy book said a whole generation was
levelled due to similar inglorious acts, emphasising that Western
nations cannot compel the Nigerian lawmakers to support evil.
The new law is as follows:
Section 1(1)" Marriage Contract or civil union entered between persons of same Gender is hereby prohibited in Nigeria.
(2)" Marriage Contracts or civil union entered between persons of
same gender are invalid and shall not be recognized as entitled to the
benefits of a valid marriage.
(3) 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 benefit accruing therefrom by virtue of the
certificate shall not be enforced by any court of law in Nigeria."
Section 2(1) states that "Marriage or civil union entered between
persons of same Gender shall not be solemnized in any place of worship
either Church or Mosque in Nigeria no marriage certificate issued to
parties of same sex marriage or civil union in Nigeria shall be valid."
Section 3 of the bill however noted that "Only marriage contract
between a man and a woman either under Islamic Law, Customary Law and
Marriage Act is recognized as valid in Nigeria."
Section 4 (1)" The registration of gay clubs, societies and
organizations, their sustenance, processions and meetings are hereby
prohibited.
4(2)" The public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly is hereby prohibited.
The House of representative while spelling out penalties for
offences, the legislation states, in 5(1) that "persons that enter into a
same gender marriage or civil union contract commit an offence and are
jointly liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment each."
5(2) states: Any person who registers, operates or participates in
gay clubs, societies and organizations, 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."
Section 5(3) "Any person or groups of persons that witnesses, abet,
screens, shields and aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage
contract or civil union or supports the registration of gay clubs,
societies and organizations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits
an offence and liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment."
The bill also stipulates that High Court of a State or the Federal
Capital Territory "shall have jurisdiction to entertain matters arising
from the breach of the provisions of this Bill."
