from HENRY IFEANYI in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau Chief
LAGOS, (CAJ News) - WHEN the same sex marriage bill was debated for the first time in the Nigerian Senate in 2011, it was practically considered deadbeat.

Most of the country's lawmakers in this deeply-religious country voted against it and within days it was brought to Parliament.

The bill, particularly seeks to outlaw same-sex marriage in Nigeria as well as ban public displays of affection between homosexual couples in the country.

Although yet to be signed by President Goodluck Jonathan, the bill spells out a 14-year jail term for anyone involved in same-sex marriages.

Those abetting or aiding such unions could be given 10 years, as would “any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs…or directly or indirectly makes public show of same sex amorous relationships,” the bill says.

Much of the country's population see the bill as welcome development as many see the sponsors of the bill as attempting to force an alien culture on the country.

Although countries such as Britain and the US have condemned the Bill, threading to withhold foreign aids to the country, Nigeria's religious leaders are adamant that the bill is in the right direction.

During the debate on the bill recently, Senate President David Mark insisted, “No country has the right to interfere in the way we make our own laws because we don’t interfere in the way others make their own laws. If they won't give us aid because of this, then let them keep their aid.”

Some same sex group have been reported to be lobbying to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan never signs the bill into law.

While the wait is on for the presidential accent to the law, religious leaders slammed same sex marriages.

Pastor Kenny Adam of the Evangelical Faith Mission in Lagos welcomed the lawmakers’ stance regarding these.

"For the first time, our senators have voted on strong moral grounds. We are a country of sound moral values. Curtain things should not just be allowed in this country and same sex marriage is certainly one of such" he said.

He said same sex marriage are evil and forbidden by God.

“The bible condemns same sex marriage. It is a great sin and any man or nation that engages in it, is an enemy of God.

"When God created man, he made us man and woman. Animals were also made so. On that same principle, he gave man, male and female sex organs. This was for procreation.  Why would someone now want to change the course of nature? Are we saying that God did not know what he was doing? “ pastor Adam quipped.

Pastor Ikechukwu Obia of the Mountain of Life Church sees the same sex marriage issue as a symptom of a sick world.

"These are signs and symptom of a sick world! Even animals don't have sex with their kinds. If animals can keep to this law of nature and we can't, then it shows that something is definitely wrong with us. I believe that it is a tool that the devil is using to deceive people," said the church leader.

Muslim cleric, Alhaji Kabiru Abdulahi said Islam condemned such marriages in strongest terms.

"Islam is against same sex marriage. Allah forbids it and we the true followers of Mohammed distance ourselves from such a sinful act,” he said.

Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission however had a different perspective.

"I don’t condemn gays. Homosexuality is evil but I do not call gays demons. It is just like somebody who has malaria parasites, he needs help.  These people need help and  it is a very serious help.

"Most of them who had come to us or their partners had come to us, both lesbians and gays, we have helped them out. When you get close to them,  you will have mercy on some of them,” he said.

Human right activist, Dr Joe Okei Odumakin said individuals had a right to be whatever they wanted irrespective of religion.

"As far as I am concerned, same sex marriage is an issue of morality as well as fundamental human right of a person.

"Nigeria is a deeply cultural society and same sex marriage is not in line with natural order because everyone knows that even animals do not engage in same sex.

"But when we are talking about fundamental human rights it is a matter of choice. Whatever a person chooses to be or do in life is the person’s choice and must be respected," she said.

She advised intending gay couples to embrace diplomacy and advocacy in fighting for their right.

"Maybe with time, Nigerians will begin to show sympathy for their cause," Odumakin said.

Analyst Joe odumakin said that if the law becomes effective, it will have repercussion on Nigeria.

"The international community will certainly see Nigeria as a nation where human rights are not respected and this will in turn affect their support for us in terms of aids, loans and so many other things,” he said .

The senior special assistant to President Jonathan, Reuben Abati, said the president “will do the right thing at the right time,” regarding the bill.

“I cannot say whether the president will accent or not to the law but I can certainly say that the president will do the right thing at the  right time," he said.

Nigeria is a deeply religious country with it over 160 million population divided evenly on Christian-Muslim and traditional religious lines.

Gay activists, who spoke to CAJ News on condition of anonymity, said they would fight for their rights.

"We all have choices in life, and we have chosen to marry as persons of the same sex. This is what makes our blood move faster! We love it, and we enjoy it," a lesbian said.