Nigerian legislature prohibits homosexual marriage, displays of affection
June 06, 2013
Nigeria’s National Assembly has passed legislation prohibiting same-sex marriages and civil unions.
The legislation awaits the signature of President Goodluck Jonathan.
The legislation also prohibits “the registration of gay clubs, societies and organizations, their sustenance, processions and meetings,” as well as “the public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly.”
Persons who attempt to enter into same-sex marriages and civil unions face the prospect a 14-year prison sentence, while those who violate other provisions of the legislation, or aid or abet a same-sex marriage or civil union, face the prospect of a 10-year sentence.
The European Union criticized the legislation.
“I am concerned that Nigerian lawmakers have voted to accept a bill that would criminalize same sex marriage,” said Catherine Ashton, vice president of the European Commission and the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. “The EU seeks neither to promote nor discourage same sex marriages, but has been clear it opposes discrimination or any form of legislation that seeks to persecute someone on the basis of sexual orientation.”
With over 170 million people, Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world.
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Further information:
- EU Condemns Nigeria’s Same-sex Marriage Law (This Day, Lagos)
- Thinking same-sex in Nigeria? You will go to jail! (MercatorNet)
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