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Abstract
The concept of same-sex marriage in recent times is one of the recurrent controversial issues universally, and this is especially so with its criminalization in some countries. It is not a new phenomenon. There are conflicting views on same sex relationships and nations of the world are at disparity on this score. With the passage of time, it is glaring that the law is being influenced as a result of growth and development of science. A controversial issue in the argument on same sex marriage in Nigeria is whether marriages between people of the same gender is foreign to Nigerian culture and tradition. The traditional marriage system in Nigeria has been particularly challenged by the rising visibility of same-sex relationships and marriages. Nigeria does not recognize or accept same sex relationships and this decision by the legislature is hinged on moral, religious and traditional values and the country has established this by passing the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act (SSMPA) 2014 into law. This law prohibiting same sex marriages and civil unions has been criticized by some of the international community on grounthat same sex activities are
considered acts between two consenting adults as purely private affairs and ought not to be the
state’s concern. A major question that arose with the implementation of the SSMPA was whetherthe new legislation would infringe the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenders(LGBTs) and in extension, the Nigerian Constitution which safeguards the rights of citizens. In light of the foregoing, this study examines the legality and framework of the anti-gay law inNigeria and seeks to establish the impact same sex unions have on Nigerian culture, morals andthe value system as a whole due to the fact that Nigeria is a highly moralist state.
considered acts between two consenting adults as purely private affairs and ought not to be the
state’s concern. A major question that arose with the implementation of the SSMPA was whetherthe new legislation would infringe the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgenders(LGBTs) and in extension, the Nigerian Constitution which safeguards the rights of citizens. In light of the foregoing, this study examines the legality and framework of the anti-gay law inNigeria and seeks to establish the impact same sex unions have on Nigerian culture, morals andthe value system as a whole due to the fact that Nigeria is a highly moralist state.
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