The House of Representatives on
Thursday approved 14 years imprisonment for persons who contracted same sex
marriage in the country. This was sequel to a clause-by-clause consideration of
a Bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or union entered between persons of same
sex, at the Committee of the Whole.
“Marriage
or civil union entered between persons of same gender shall not be solemnised
in any place of worship, either church or mosque or any place in Nigeria,” it
said.
Introducing
the bill, Rep. Albert Sam-Tsokwa ( PDP-Taraba) said that it sought to achieve a
far reaching objective by outlawing same sex marriage and provide punishment
for offenders. It also set out a 10-year sentence for “any person who directly
or indirectly makes public show of same-sex amorous relationships’’.
“Any
persons or group of persons that administers, witnesses, screen and shields the
solemnisation of same sex marriage in Nigeria on conviction, will be liable to
10 years imprisonment.’’
It
would be recalled also that the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, had
warned that his country would consider withholding aid from countries that did
not recognise gay rights. In Nov. 2011, the senate approved the bill that would
make same-sex marriages punishable by up to 14 years for the couple and 10 for
anyone abetting such unions.
The
bill is expected to be sent to the Senate for concurrence. (NAN)
Source:
VanguardNGR
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