Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to prohibit same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state, in a move that reinforces the state's position on same-sex relationships and aligns with Nigeria's federal law banning same-sex unions. The proposed legislation, titled "A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Contract of Marriage or Civil Union Entered into Between Persons of Same Sex, Solemnization of Same, Whether Cultural or in Accordance with Any Statute in Existence, and for Matters Connected Therewith, 2026," was sponsored by the member representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Ekpang Bisong, with the support of 10 other lawmakers. The bill, which passed its second reading on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, prescribes that only marriages between a man and a woman shall be recognised as valid in the state, and also seeks to bar the recognition of same-sex marriages contracted outside Cross River State or Nigeria.
During the debate on the bill, members of the Assembly unanimously endorsed its general principles, arguing that the legislation is intended to protect the state's cultural, moral and family values. Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature has a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the institution of marriage in accordance with the customs, traditions and laws of Cross River State. According to him, the Assembly would continue to uphold marriage as a union between a man and a woman and would not support practices it considers contrary to the state's cultural and religious values. "As representatives of the people, we have a duty to preserve the moral fabric of our society and enact laws that reflect the collective values of our citizens. Cross River State has always upheld marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and this House will continue to defend that position," Ayambem stated.
The proposed law further provides sanctions against persons who contract, facilitate, promote or assist same-sex marriages or civil unions. It also seeks to invalidate such unions even if they were contracted outside the state or outside Nigeria. With the successful second reading, the bill will now proceed to the committee stage, where lawmakers are expected to scrutinise its provisions before it returns to the House for a third reading and possible final passage. The development marks another significant legislative move by the Cross River Assembly as it seeks to reinforce existing legal and cultural positions on marriage within the state. The bill, if eventually passed and signed into law, would further entrench the prohibition of same-sex unions in Cross River State, aligning with the federal Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2013, which already criminalises same-sex marriages and civil unions across Nigeria.
The passage of the bill for second reading has drawn attention to the ongoing legislative efforts in Cross River State to strengthen its legal framework on marriage and family values. While the bill has received unanimous support from lawmakers, it is expected to face scrutiny at the committee stage, where its provisions will be examined in detail before a final vote. The bill's progression through the legislative process reflects the Assembly's commitment to upholding what it describes as the cultural and moral values of the people of Cross River State. As the bill moves to the committee stage, stakeholders and members of the public will have an opportunity to contribute to the legislative process before the bill returns to the House for its third reading and possible passage into law.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments