Benue Assembly outlaws same sex marriage

The Benue House of Assembly has passed a bill to prohibit same sex marriage in the state.

Termed Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Law, 2018, the piece of legislation was yesterday passed in Makurdi after a clause-by-clause consideration by the committee of whole chaired by the Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange.

According to the law, a marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnised in a church, mosque or any other place of worship in the state.

The legislation also prohibits the registration of gay clubs, societies and organisations as well as their sustenance, procession, meeting and display of same sex amorous relationships directly or indirectly.

It stipulates that any person who enters into same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and would be liable to a 14-year jail term. 

Speaking after the third reading of the bill, Speaker Terkimbi Ikyange said same sex union was alien to the culture and tradition of the state, and as such, needs to be prohibited.