Obasanjo proffers stringent measures against gay marriages
12 April 2006- ABUJA -President Olusegun Obasanjo’s stringent
proposal proscribing homosexual marriage in the country has been widened
to punish individuals who witness, celebrate with or support couples
involved in homosexual relationships.The bill
which received first reading in the Senate yesterday prescribes a
compulsory five year imprisonment for violators of the proposed law and
also invalidates any marriage license that may have procured by such
individuals in foreign countries where the practise is allowed.
Section three of the bill which prescribes the form of
marriage acceptable in Nigeria reads thus:
”For the avoidance of doubt only marriage entered into between a man and
a woman under the marriage Act or under the Islamic and Customary laws
are valid and recognised in Nigeria.’’
Among the prohibitions proposed against marriage by
individuals of same sex are that individuals having homosexual
relationship even if not married would be barred from adopting
children. The bill also proposes to annul any right accruing from
marriage licences obtained by homosexual couples in other jurisdictions.
“The courts in Nigeria shall have no jurisdiction to
grant a divorce, separation and maintenance orders with regard to such
same sex marriage, consider or rule on any of their rights arising from
or in connection with such marriage,’’ section 4(5) of the bill reads.
The bill also aims to prohibit any form of publicity
or registration to homosexual clubs and societies.
Section 7 of the bill reads thus: Registration of Gay Clubs, Societies
and organisations by whatever name they are called in institutions from
secondary to the tertiary level or other institutions in particular
and, in Nigeria generally, by government agencies is hereby prohibited.
Publicity, procession and public show of same sex amorous relationship
through the electronic or print media physically, directly, indirectly
or otherwise are prohibited in Nigeria.
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