REPS APPROVE FOURTEEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR SAME SEX MARRIAGE

The House of Representatives yesterday Thursday May 29th approved 14
years imprisonment for persons who contracted same sex marriagein the
country.
This was sequel to a clause-by-clause consideration of a Bill for an
Actto prohibit marriage or union entered between persons of same sex,
atthe Committee of the Whole.
"Marriage or civil union entered between persons of same gender
shallnot 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.