The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to prohibit same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state, moving the proposed law one step closer to becoming law after lawmakers unanimously supported it during plenary.
The bill is titled "A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Contract of Marriage or Civil Union Entered into Between Persons of Same Sex, Solemnization of Same, Whether Cultural or in Accordance with Any Statute in Force in Cross River State and Other Related Matters." Lawmakers said the proposed legislation is intended to reinforce the state's position that marriage should only exist between a man and a woman.
According to the Assembly, if eventually passed into law and signed by the governor, the legislation will prohibit the recognition or solemnization of same-sex marriages and civil unions within Cross River State. Reports also indicate that it seeks to prevent the recognition of such unions even if they were contracted outside the state or outside Nigeria, while prescribing penalties for anyone who enters into, promotes or facilitates such unions.
Supporters of the bill argued that the law is necessary to preserve the cultural, religious and moral values of the people of Cross River State. They maintained that marriage, under the state's tradition and beliefs, is a union between a man and a woman and should remain so.
The development has, however, generated public debate. While many residents have expressed support for the Assembly's action, saying it reflects the beliefs of the majority, some legal and human rights advocates have questioned the need for another state law when Nigeria already has the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, a federal law that prohibits same-sex marriage and civil unions across the country.
Following its successful second reading, the bill is expected to proceed to the committee stage, where lawmakers will examine its provisions in greater detail before it returns to the House for a third reading and final consideration. If approved and assented to by Governor Bassey Otu, it will become part of the laws of Cross River State.
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