Nigerian Anti-Gay Legislation Passes Senate

If signed into law, not only outlaws marriage but gay advocacy

A bill that would effectively criminalize LGBT advocacy and outlaw same-sex marriage cleared one of its final hurdles on Tuesday, when the Nigerian Senate passed a compromise bill negotiated with the House of Representatives.

First introduced in 2006 and known as the Anti Same-Sex Marriage bill, it would impose a stiff prison sentence on couples who try to get married. But it goes well beyond marriage, also providing for the jailing of same-sex couples for public displays of affection along with anyone who advocates LGBT rights.

While the official text of the most recent version of the bill was not immediately available, Nigerian news reports suggested the version adopted on Tuesday closely follows the hardline version passed in the House, which would impose prison sentences of up to 14 years.

(Hat tip to Jonathan Rauch)