Nigeria Bill Banning Same-Sex Marriage Awaits President’s Assent
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Nigeria’s proposed law to make same-sex marriage punishable by imprisonment is awaiting President Goodluck Jonathan’s signature after it was approved by both houses of parliament.
The House of Representatives yesterday passed the bill that makes same-sex unions a criminal offense punishable by as many as 14 years in prison, Victor Ogene, a lower-house spokesman, said by phone from the capital, Abuja. Those who witness, aid or abet such unions as well as those who operate gay clubs and societies, and engage in public displays of same-sex affection would be punishable by as many as 10 years jail. The Senate passed a similar bill in November 2011.