The executive Bill seeking to ban same sex relationships in Nigeria entitled “Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006” was introduced to the House of Representatives when the President’s letter was read on the floor of the House by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Austin Opara who presided over Friday’s plenary session. The proposed legislation is aimed not only at same-sex marriage, but would ban gay organizations, public assembly and advocacy for gay rights.

Opara said that the President urges the National Assembly to give expeditious consideration and passage to the bill. “This is because the problem has become topical and embarrassing in recent times”.

The leader of the House, Hon Abdul Ningi, said the problem of homosexuality has become very disturbing in view of the increasing number of gays and lesbians in the country. He called on the House to commence debate immediately on the matter considering its necessity, but the presiding officer, Austin Opara, asked that the debate be suspended because the Bill needed to be gazetted and sent through legislative processes before it is debated upon.