Homosexuality 'a taboo'
2006-01-19 10:57
Abuja - The Nigerian government on Wednesday approved a draft bill banning same-sex marriage, Justice Minister Bayo Ojo told journalists.
"Section six (of the bill) prohibits marriage of the same sex in any of the recognised places of worship either in the churches, mosques or under customary law... It is an offence for anybody to contract a marriage or have a relationship of the same sex," he said.
"The offence carries a sentence of five years imprisonment without an option of a fine," said Ojo, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association.
"Similarly, if you aid or abet or support in any way anybody of the same sex to contract a relationship or marriage, it will also attract five years imprisonment," he added.
"Formation of associations of homosexuals and lesbians as well as engagement in any form of protest to press for rights or recognition will also be punishable under the law," the minister said.
The bill has yet to be presented to and accepted by the parliament.
Some associations for the defence of the rights of homosexuals exist in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation of 130 million people.
Homosexuality is a taboo in Nigeria, where those who engage in it do it clandestinely, under the shadow of traditional practice.
The orthodox churches in Nigeria are firmly against homosexual practices and the ordination of gay priests in Europe has created ripples in the Anglican Communion, one of the largest Christian folds in the country.