Bill against same-sex marriage passes second reading in Cross River Assembly

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to prohibit same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by the member representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Ekpang Bisong, with the support of 10 other lawmakers, also seeks to bar the recognition of same-sex marriages contracted outside Cross River State or Nigeria.

Titled, ‘A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Contract of Marriage or Civil Union Entered into Between Persons of Same Sex, Solemnization of Same, Whether Cultural or in Accordance with Any Statute in Existence, and for Matters Connected Therewith, 2026’, the proposed legislation prescribes that only marriages between a man and a woman shall be recognised as valid in the state.

It further proposes sanctions against persons who contract, facilitate, promote or assist same-sex marriages or civil unions.

During debate on the bill on Tuesday, members of the Assembly unanimously endorsed its general principles, saying the legislation is intended to protect the state’s cultural, moral and family values.

Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature has a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the institution of marriage in accordance with the customs, traditions and laws of Cross River State.

According to him, the Assembly would continue to uphold marriage as a union between a man and a woman and would not support practices it considers contrary to the state’s cultural and religious values.

“As representatives of the people, we have a duty to preserve the moral fabric of our society and enact laws that reflect the collective values of our citizens.

“Cross River State has always upheld marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and this House will continue to defend that position,” Ayambem stated.