Cross River Assembly Passes Bill Against Same-Sex Marriage

The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed a Bill titled “A Bill for 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 Statute in Existence, and for Matters Connected Therewith, 2026” through its second reading. The Bill, sponsored by Rt.

Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong, who represents Boki II State Constituency, has garnered support from 10 co-sponsoring lawmakers.

It seeks to prohibit the recognition and solemnization of same-sex marriages and civil unions in Cross River State, including those contracted outside the state or Nigeria. The legislation stipulates that only marriages between a man and a woman will be recognized as valid and prescribes penalties for offenders and those who facilitate such unions.

During the plenary, lawmakers expressed unanimous support for the Bill, emphasizing its role in preserving the state’s cultural, moral, and family values. Speaker Rt.

Hon. Elvert Ayambem stated the Assembly's duty to protect the institution of marriage as defined by the laws and traditions of Cross River State.