obasanjo proffers stringent measures against gay marriages

By Emmanuel Aziken, (Vanguard)
 
April 12, 2006: 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.