Proposed Nigerian Law Would Criminalize Clergy Performing Same-Sex Marriages

A press release yesterday from Amnesty International on behalf of several human rights groups expresses strong opposition to proposed legislation in Nigeria that would impose criminal penalties-- up to 3 years in prison-- on same-sex couples who marry. Existing Nigerian law already imposes up to 14 years in prison for consensual same-sex sexual activity. The proposed Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008 would also impose a fine of US$14 and up to five years in prison on any person who "witnesses, abet and aids the solemnization of a same gender marriage." This would threaten with criminal sanctions a member of the clergy who conducts a same-sex marriage ceremony in Nigeria. Amnesty says this violates the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which Nigeria has signed. The bill would additionally impose a fine of up to US$340 on anyone who witnesses or aids and abets a same-sex marriage. This provision is apparently aimed at LGBT organizations and events.