An anti-gay marriage and civil union ban bill has been sent to the Cross River State House of Assembly for second reading.
Along with ten other legislators, Hilary Ekpang Bisong, who represents the Boki II State Constituency, has introduced a bill that would prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages that take place outside of Nigeria or Cross River State.
According to the proposed legislation titled, ‘A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Contract of Marriage or Civil Union Entered into Between Persons of Same Sex, Solemnisation of Same, Whether Cultural or in Accordance with Any Statute in Existence, and for Matters Connected Therewith, 2026,’, the state will only recognise marriages between men and women.
Additionally, it suggests penalties for those involved in same-sex marriages or civil unions, whether as contracting parties or as facilitators, promoters, or assisters.
Members of the Assembly expressed their strong support for the bill during Tuesday’s debate, stating that the legislation aims to safeguard the cultural, moral, and family values of the state.
According to Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Cross River State, the legislature has a moral and constitutional duty to protect marriage in line with the state’s traditions, laws, and customs.
He claimed that the Assembly will maintain its support for marriage as a matrimony and reject any actions that it deemed incompatible with the religious and cultural values of the state.
The people have entrusted us with the responsibility of protecting our society’s moral fibre and passing laws that are reflective of their shared ideals.
Ayambem made it clear that the state of Cross River will maintain its long-standing stance on marriage as a union between a man and a woman.