Nigerian Lawmakers Begin Debate on Anti-Gay Marriage Bill

Lawmakers in Nigeria have began hearings on a bill to criminalize same-sex marriages with penalties of up to five years in prison, Reuters reports.

"[A] marriage contract entered between persons of the same gender is hereby prohibited in Nigeria," a version of the bill before the Nigerian senate reads. Anyone who witnesses or aids in "the solemnisation of a same sex marriage contract commits an offence and is liable to a term of 5 years imprisonment[.]" Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the country, as are same-sex marriages.

A previous bill on marriage from 2006, which ultimately did not pass, had sought to ban formation of any LGBT clubs and proposed a prison sentence for anyone advocating on gay rights issues.

Box Turtle Bulletin has more information on the bill here.