By Onwa Ekor
The Cross River House of Assembly has passed for second reading, “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 status in existence, and for matters connected therewith.”
The sponsor of the bill and Member representing Boki 2 state constituency, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, opened the debate with biblical assertions, citing Genesis 1:27, “In the beginning God created them male and female.”
He further referenced Genesis 2:24 where God said a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one not the other way round.
Bisong stated: “When this happens in marriage, it destroys the architecture of life circle,” adding that the story of Sodom and Gomorrah was evident proof, describing it as “an abomination before God Almighty, as recorded in Leviticus 20:13.”
The proposed law provides that, notwithstanding any culture, tradition or law, contract of marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex will be prohibited in the State, and shall not be recognized or entitled to benefits of a valid marriage.
The bill further states that certificates obtained in such marriages contracted outside the State will be not be recognised in the State adding that, any benefit derived from such marriages, whether certificated or not, shall not be enforced by any court in the State.
Citing legislative authority, Bisong who doubles as the Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, noted that Section 4, Sub-section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives the State House of Assembly powers to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the State.
“Therefore,” he continued, “the bill states that any contract of marriage or civil union entered into between persons of the same sex shall not be solemnized in a church, court, mosque, traditional shrine or any other place of worship in the State.”
Members reacted strongly in support of the bill, totally condemning the act which they described as, “wicked and a reversal from the original course of creation.”
The Lawmakers further described same sexual unions as, “a medical challenge, a disease that affects the sense organs and a brain disorder,” emphasising that, its goal is to attack and distort the human population.
Reacting, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, commended the sponsor and members for due diligence during the debate.
He lamented that sexual pervasion including homosexuality, lesbianism and beastiality is becoming rampart in the state.
The Speaker vehemently condemned the act and reiterated that the House will ensure stiff penalty await offenders to discourage others from indulging in it.
