President Goodluck Jonathan Signs Same S*x Prohibition Bill Into Law!

In spite of protests from some countries, President Goodluck
Jonathan has signed Same S*x Marriage (Prohibition) Bill
2013 into law.
The assent to the bill was devoid of fanfare to reduce
diplomatic tension which it may likely attract.
Some foreign embassies were shocked by the development
leading to ‘curious’ inquiries from the Federal Government.
Despite the inquiries, the Federal Government said there is no
going back.
The signed bill says the g*ys in Nigeria will however risk a 14-
year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce
such marriage. Also, any person who operates or participates
in g*y clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly
will earn 10-year imprisonment. Those who administer witness,
abet or aid the solemnization of a same s*x marriage are
going to bag 10-year jail term.
Investigation by our correspondent showed that the President
assented to the Act on January 7, 2014.
The assent note, obtained by our correspondent yesterday,
reads in part: “I certify that this Bill has been carefully
compared by me with the decision reached by the National
Assembly and found by me to be true and correct decision of
the Houses and is in accordance with the provisions of the
Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of
Nigeria, 2004. I assent.”
A reliable source said: “The President has signed the Same S*x
Marriage (Prohibition) Bill into law. This has foreclosed any
pressure on President Jonathan not to assent to the bill.
“We received inquiries from some foreign embassies on why the
bill was signed into law. But we told them that our cultural
values do not tolerate same s*x marriage.
“Also, we made it clear that since most Nigerians were
opposed to the bill, the parliament acted in line with the wish
of the majority. We are in a democratic setting, the President
has no choice than to bow to the wish of the people.
“These embassies were shocked but there is no going back. We
hope they will also abide by the decision of Nigerians.”
The details of the new Act was obtained yesterday by our
correspondent.
The Act reads in part: “A marriage contract or civil union
entered into between persons of same s*x: (a) is prohibited in
Nigeria; and (b) shall not be recognized as entitled to the
benefits of a valid marriage.
“A marriage contract or civil union entered into between
persons of same s*x by virtue of a certificate issued by a
foreign country is void in Nigeria, and any benefit accruing
there-from by virtue of the certificate shall not be enforced by
any court of law.
“A marriage contract or civil union entered into between
persons of same s*x shall not be sole nixed in a church,
mosque or any other place of worship of Nigeria.
“No certificate issued to persons of same s*x in a marriage or
civil union shall be valid in Nigeria. Only a marriage contracted
between a man and a woman shall be recognized as valid in
Nigeria.
“The registration of g*y clubs, societies and organizations, their
sustenance, processions and meetings is prohibited.
“The public show of same s*x amorous relationship directly or
indirectly is prohibited.”
The Act also provides details of the sanctions awaiting the
violators of the new law.
It adds: “A person who enters into a same s*x marriage
contract or civil union commits an offence and is liable on
conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment.
“A person who registers, operates or participates in g*y clubs,
societies and organizations directly or indirectly makes public
show of dame s*x amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an
offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years
imprisonment.
“A person or group of persons who administers, witnesses,
abets or aids the solemnization of a same s*x marriage or civil
union of supports the registration, operation and sustenance of
g*y clubs, societies, organizations, processions or meetings in
Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a
term of 10 years imprisonment.
“The High Court of a State or of the Federal Capital Territory
shall have jurisdiction to entertain matters raiding from the
breach of the provisions of this Act.”