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 bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Contract of Marriage or Civil Union Entered into Between Persons of the Same Sex, Solemnisation of Same, Whether Cultural or in Accordance with Any Statute in Existence, and for Matters Connected Therewith, 2026,” was sponsored by the member representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Bisong, and co-sponsored by 10 other lawmakers.
If passed into law, the legislation will prohibit the recognition and solemnisation of same-sex marriages and civil unions in Cross River, including those contracted outside the state or Nigeria.
It also seeks to recognise only marriages between a man and a woman as valid and prescribes penalties for offenders and persons who aid, promote or facilitate such unions.
Leading the debate during plenary on Tuesday, lawmakers unanimously backed the bill, describing it as necessary to preserve the state’s cultural, moral and family values.
The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly had a constitutional and moral duty to protect the institution of marriage as recognised by the laws, customs and traditions of the people.
“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 said.
He added that the Assembly would not support practices it considers inconsistent with the cultural and religious values of the state.
With the passage of the second reading, the bill will proceed to the committee stage for further legislative scrutiny before a third reading and possible passage into law.
The development comes amid growing calls across several states for stricter legislation to codify marriage as defined by existing cultural and religious norms.
Source: The Punch
