By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to prohibit same sex marriages and civil unions in the state.
The proposed legislation, 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, is sponsored by the member representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Bisong, and co sponsored by 10 lawmakers.
If passed into law, the bill will prohibit the recognition and solemnisation of same sex marriages and civil unions in Cross River State, including unions contracted outside the state and Nigeria.
The legislation also seeks to recognise only marriages between a man and a woman as valid in the state and prescribes penalties for individuals who enter into, promote or facilitate such unions.
Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill during plenary, describing it as a measure aimed at preserving the cultural, moral and family values of Cross River State.
Speaking on the bill, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly had a constitutional and moral responsibility to protect the institution of marriage in line with the laws, customs and traditions of the people.
According to him, marriage remains a union between a man and a woman, stressing that the legislature would not support practices it considers inconsistent with the state’s cultural and religious values.
“As representatives of the people, we have a duty to preserve the moral fabric of our society and enact laws that reflect the collective values of our citizens. Cross River State has always upheld marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and this House will continue to defend that position,” Ayambem said.
Having scaled second reading, the bill will proceed to the committee stage for further legislative scrutiny before returning to the House for a third reading and possible passage into law.