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SAME SEX MARRIAGE (PROHIBITION) ACT, 2013
An Act to Prohibit a Marriage Contract or Civil Union entered into between Persons of Same Sex, Solemnization of Same; and for Related Matters
[7th Day of January, 2014]
Enacted by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—
Prohibition of marriage or civil union by persons of same sex. 1.—(1) A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex:
- (a) is prohibited in Nigeria; and
- (b) shall not be recognised as entitled to the benefits of a valid marriage.
(2) A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex 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.
Solemnization of same sex marriage in places of worship. 2.—(1) A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnized in a church, mosque or any other place of worship in Nigeria.
(2) No certificate issued to persons of same sex in a marriage or civil union shall be valid in Nigeria.
Recognized marriage in Nigeria. 3. Only a marriage contracted between a man and a woman shall be recognized as valid in Nigeria.
Registration of homosexual clubs and societies. 4.—(1) The Registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations, their sustenance, processions and meetings is prohibited.
(2) The public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly is prohibited.
Offences and Penalties. 5.—(1) A person who enters into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment.
(2) A person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisation, or directly or indirectly makes public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.
(3) A person or group of persons who administers, witnesses, abets or aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage or civil union, or supports the registration, operation and sustenance of gay clubs, societies, organisations,