ABUJA, Nigeria, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The United States expressed concern Monday over Nigeria's enactment of a law prohibiting same-sex marriage in the African country.
The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act "is inconsistent with Nigeria's international legal obligations and undermines the democratic reforms and human rights protections enshrined in its 1999 Constitution," the U.S. State Department said in a release.
The Nigerian newspaper the Nation reported President Goodluck Jonathan signed the bill into law Jan. 7.
The law said same-sex couples could receive a 14-year jail term if they don't renounce their marriages. It also includes jail time of 10 years for anyone operating or participating in gay clubs, societies and organizations directly or indirectly. The law also imposes a 10-year prison sentence for anyone who witnesses, abets or otherwise assists in solemnizing a same-sex marriage.
Related
- Holder: Utah gay marriages are legal despite state's position
- Utah won't recognize existing same-sex marriages
- Senate in Chile approves same-sex civil union bill
- Supreme Court stays same-sex marriage ruling in Utah
- Attorneys: Court stay in Utah's same-sex marriage case not warranted
- Procreation dropped in Utah's stay application to Supreme Court
"No certificate issued to persons of same sex in a marriage or civil union shall be valid in Nigeria," the law reads. "Only a marriage contracted between a man and a woman shall be recognized as valid in Nigeria."
It also prohibits public displays of affection between a same-sex couple.
"Beyond even prohibiting same sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians," the State Department said. "People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love."
The statement said the United States joins with people in Nigeria and elsewhere "who appeal for the protection of their fellow citizens' fundamental freedoms and universal human rights."
A source told the Nation government officials fielded inquiries from several foreign embassies on why Jonathan signed the bill.
"[We] told them that our cultural values do not tolerate same-sex marriage," the source said, noting that the Parliament's actions were in line with the majority of Nigerians. "We are in a democratic setting, the president has no choice than to bow to the wish of the people."
