Cross River Assembly Passes Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Bill for Second Reading

The Cross River State House of Assembly on Tuesday moved a bill seeking to ban same-sex marriages and civil unions in the state to its second reading, marking another step in the legislative process.

The proposal, sponsored by the lawmaker representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Bisong, and backed by 10 other members, aims to recognise only marriages between a man and a woman under the state’s laws.

During plenary, lawmakers supported the bill, saying it was introduced to protect the cultural, moral and family values widely held in Cross River State. The proposed legislation also seeks to stop the recognition of same-sex marriages or civil unions conducted within or outside Nigeria if they are presented for recognition in the state.

If eventually passed into law, the bill will make such unions unlawful in Cross River and provide penalties for individuals found to have entered into, promoted or assisted in the arrangement of same-sex marriages or civil unions.

The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly has a responsibility to make laws that reflect the beliefs and traditions of the people it represents. He maintained that the legislature remains committed to preserving the existing definition of marriage recognised under the state’s customs and legal framework.

The proposed law will now be forwarded to the relevant House committee, where it will undergo detailed examination before returning to the Assembly for a third reading. If approved at that stage, it will be sent for the next legislative process before it can become law.

The latest move comes as discussions continue in different parts of the country over legislation relating to marriage, family values and social policies. The Cross River Assembly’s action adds the state to those considering fresh legal measures on the issue.