The Senate sitting in the Committee of the Whole, on Tuesday, 29th November, 2011, passed
the Bill for an Act to Prohibit Marriage or Civil Union entered into between persons of
same sex, solemnization of same and for other matters Related Therewith, 2011.
Reports indicate that deliberation on the bill was rigorous and attracted the attention of
Nigerians, and the international community.
According to the Bill, only marriages contracted between a man and a woman either under
Islamic Law, Customary Law or the Marriage Act is recognized as valid in Nigeria and
provides that persons who entered into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commit
an offence and are each liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.
Also, any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and
organizations, or directly or indirectly commits the offence shall each be liable on
conviction to a term of 5 years imprisonment.
Any persons that witness, abet and or aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage and or
organizes processions or meetings in support of it in Nigeria, commits an offence and
shall be liable on conviction to a term of 5 years imprisonment.