Bill banning same-sex marriage irrevocable - Nigeria's Senate President - The Nigerian Senate will not withdraw the Bill it passed on Monday outlawing same-sex marriage in the country, despite the international outcry it has generated, according to Senate President David Mark. The private Punch newspaper on Friday quoted Mr. Mark as saying that countries that have threatened to withdraw foreign assistance to Nigeria if the Bill is the not withdrawn can go ahead.

'It is unfair to tie whatever assistance or aid to Nigeria to the laws we make in the overall interest of our citizens, otherwise we are tempted to believe that such assistance comes with ulterior motives.

'If the assistance is aimed at mortgaging our future, values, custom and ways of life, then they should as well keep their assistance,' the Senate President said while receiving the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dorothee Janetzke-Wenzelin, in his office in the capital city of Abuja on Thursday.

Under the Bill, persons who enter into same-sex marriages face 14 years in jail each, while those who abet or witness such marriages face 10 years imprisonment, just like any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations.

Once the Bill is passed by the lower legislative chamber, House of Representatives, it will be forwarded to the President for his assent, after which it will become operational.

The passage of the Bill by the Senate has attracted sharp criticisms from the many countries, including the UK, Canada and the US, as well as international human rights organisations, which have called on the Senate to withdraw it.

But it seems to be widely supported in Nigeria, a deeply religious country where many see same-sex marriage as a taboo.

The umbrella Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has hailed the passage of the Bill, with its President, Mr. Ayo Oritsejafor, praising Mr. Mark for standing firm against 'dirty carrots being dangled by imperialist nations'.

Pana 02/12/2011