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.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for a Law to Prohibit Contract of Marriage or Civil Union Entered into Between Persons of the Same Sex, Solemnisation 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 Bisong, and co-sponsored by 10 other lawmakers.
If eventually passed into law, the bill will prohibit the recognition and solemnisation of same-sex marriages and civil unions in Cross River State, including unions contracted outside the state or Nigeria.
The legislation also seeks to recognise only marriages between a man and a woman as legally valid, while prescribing penalties for individuals who enter into, aid, promote or facilitate same-sex unions.
Leading the debate during Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, describing it as necessary to preserve the state’s cultural, moral and family values.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly had both a constitutional and moral responsibility to protect the institution of marriage in line with the laws, customs and traditions of the people.
“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 said.
He added that the Assembly would not support practices it considers inconsistent with the cultural and religious values of the state.
Following its passage for second reading, the bill has been referred to the relevant committee for further legislative scrutiny before returning to the House for a third reading and possible passage into law.
The development comes amid renewed calls in some states for legislation that reinforces marriage as defined by existing cultural and religious norms.
