Cross River lawmakers take steps to ban same-sex marriages

The Cross River State House of Assembly on Wednesday moved closer to banning same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state. They passed a bill for a second reading that aims to make these unions illegal.

The bill wants to stop the official recognition of same-sex marriages, including those done outside the state. This applies no matter the culture, tradition, or existing laws.

Hilary Bisong, who represents Boki II State Constituency, sponsored the bill. He told his colleagues that the idea comes from biblical teachings on marriage.

Mr Bisong pointed to Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, saying marriage is meant to be between a man and a woman. He also mentioned Sodom and Gomorrah and Leviticus 20:13, claiming that same-sex relationships go against biblical teachings.

He explained that the bill states that same-sex marriages or civil unions will not receive legal recognition or benefits of a valid marriage in Cross River. He said, "It also provides that certificates issued for same-sex marriages outside the state will not be recognised within Cross River, and courts in the state shall not enforce benefits arising from such unions, whether certificated or otherwise."

Mr Bisong added that Section 4(7) of the 1999 Constitution gives the state house of assembly the power to make laws for peace, order, and good governance. He mentioned that the new law would stop the solemnisation of same-sex unions in churches, courts, mosques, traditional shrines, and other places of worship.

The lawmakers showed strong support for the bill. They described same-sex unions as not in line with their moral and religious beliefs. Some members called same-sex relationships harmful to society and urged for laws to discourage such practices.

Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the House, praised the members for their input during the debate. He shared worries about what he sees as growing sexual perversion in the state.

Mr Ayambem promised that if the bill passes, it will include strict penalties to discourage violations.