The House of Representatives yesterday approved a 14-year jail sentence with no option of fine for the same sex couple even as it outlawed gay clubs and societies in Nigeria. Considering a report of a Bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or civil union entered between persons of the same sex, solemnization of the same and for other matters related, the lawmakers placed a 10-year jail term for members of gay associations or those who engaged in gay processions. The lawmakers said any marriage or civil union entered into by persons of the same gender was prohibited. The Bill on the same sex was introduced on the floor of the House last year.


A public hearing on the matter was held in October 2012. The Senate had also passed a Bill prohibiting the same sex union with similar jail term for offenders. With the consideration of the report, the Bill would now wait for harmonisation with the Senate’s version. Yesterday’s consideration of the report was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha.

The House resolved that “marriage contract or civil union entered between persons of the same gender by virtue of a certificate issued by a foreign country would be void in Nigeria and any benefit accruing there from by virtue of the certificate would not be enforced by any court of law in Nigeria.” It banned solemnization of the same sex marriage in places of worship such as church, mosque and traditional places.

“Marriage or civil union entered between persons of te same gender would not be solemnised in any place of worship either church or Mosque or in any other place in Nigeria.” The lawmakers said only marriage contract between a man and a woman either under Islamic law, customary law and marriage Act is recoganised as valid in Nigeria” Describing the same sex marriage as an absurdity that should not be allowed in the country, the House ruled that no person(s) should be allowed to operate a gay club.

“Any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or indirectly make a public show of the same sex amorous relationship commits an offence and would be liable on convictions to a term of 10 years imprisonment.”

It added: “Any persons or group of persons that witnesses, screens, shields and aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage contract or civil union or supports the registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offence and liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.”


On the courts that would have the jurisdiction to entertain the same sex marriage litigations, the House stated that both the state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) courts were empowered to hear cases of breach of any provision of the Bill. The chamber said: “High Court of a state or of the FCT would have jurisdiction to entertain matter arising from the breach of the provisions of the Bill.”