What is Nigeria's Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act?
In December 2013 the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (2013) was passed in Nigeria (effective January 2014). The Act makes it illegal for same-sex individuals to marry, enter into a civil union, or gain entitlement to any benefits of a valid marriage. Any marriage or union entered into legally outside Nigeria is considered void within the country and no related benefits are recognised. Among the many restrictions imposed by this law—including the explicit prohibition to register or operate “gay clubs, societies and organisations”—Sections 4 and 5 impose a penalty of 10 years of imprisonment to anyone who “directly or indirectly makes a public show of same-sex amorous relationship”.
