The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill proposing to prohibit same-sex marriages and civil unions within the state, marking another legislative step aimed at reinforcing what lawmakers described as the state’s cultural and moral values.
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 introduced by the lawmaker representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Bisong, and received the backing of 10 co-sponsors.
If eventually enacted, the law would prohibit the recognition, registration and solemnisation of same-sex marriages and civil unions in Cross River State, including unions contracted outside the state or outside Nigeria.
The bill also seeks to establish that only marriages between a man and a woman would be legally recognised within the state, while proposing sanctions for individuals who enter into, facilitate, promote or assist in the conduct of such unions.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, members of the Assembly unanimously supported the proposed legislation, arguing that it was necessary to safeguard the state’s traditional family structure and societal values.
Speaking during deliberations, Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the legislature had both a constitutional responsibility and a moral obligation to protect the institution of marriage in line with the customs, traditions and laws of the people of Cross River State.
“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.
The Speaker further stated that the Assembly would not endorse practices it considers incompatible with the cultural and religious beliefs upheld by the state’s residents.
With the successful passage of the second reading, the proposed legislation will now move to the relevant House committee, where lawmakers will subject it to detailed examination and legislative review before it returns to the floor for a third reading and possible final passage.
The bill comes at a time when discussions surrounding marriage laws and family values have continued to feature prominently in legislative debates across parts of Nigeria.
Several states have recently considered measures intended to reinforce existing legal and cultural definitions of marriage while aligning state legislation with prevailing societal norms.
If eventually passed and assented to, the proposed law would further strengthen Cross River State’s legal position on marriage and civil unions while prescribing penalties for violations under the new framework.
