House of Rep approves 14 years imprisonment for same sex marriage in Nigeria

The House of Representatives yesterday Thursday
May 29th 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.