Goodluck Jonathan Signs Bill Outlawing Gay Marriage in Nigeria

Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has on Monday signed a bill outlawing same-sex marriage according to his special adviser on media and publicity, Reuben Abati.

The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013, sets jail terms of up to 14 years for anyone entering gay marriage or civil partnership and also banning LGBT organisations altogether.

Anyone who registers, operates or takes part in gay organisations or makes a public show of a same-sex relationship will also be punishable to up to 10 years in prison.

"I can confirm that the president has signed the bill into law," Reuben Abati told AFP.

Abati said the bill, adopted by the Senate in 2011, was signed by Goodluck Jonathan "because it is consistent with the attitude of most Nigerians towards homosexuality".

"More than 90 percent of Nigerians are opposed to same sex marriage. So, the law is in line with our cultural and religious beliefs as a people," he added.

"And I think that this law is made for a people and what (the) government has done is consistent with the preference of its environment."

Homosexual acts are already illegal in Nigeria, a highly religious society with its 170 million people divided between Christian and Muslim faiths.