Jonathan signs same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill into law

..Gays, lesbians risk 14-year jail term In spite of protests from some countries, President Goodluck Jonathan has signed Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 into law. The assent to the bill was devoid of fanfare to reduce diplomatic tension which it may likely attract. Some foreign embassies were shocked by the development leading to ‘curious’ inquiries from the Federal Government. Despite the inquiries, the Federal Government said there is no going back. The signed bill says the gays in Nigeria will however risk a 14-year jail term if they do not retrace their steps and renounce such marriage. Also, any person who operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly will earn 10-year imprisonment. Those who administer witness, abet or aid the solemnization of a same sex marriage are going to bag 10-year jail term. Investigation by our correspondent showed that the President assented to the Act on January 7, 2014. The assent note, obtained by our correspondent yesterday, reads in part: “I certify that this Bill has been carefully compared by me with the decision reached by the National Assembly and found by me to be true and correct decision of the Houses and is in accordance with the provisions of the Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. I assent.” A reliable source said: “The President has signed the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill into law. This has foreclosed any pressure on President Jonathan not to assent to the bill. continued