Cross River State Unanimously Passes Same-Sex Marriage Ban Bill

• The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed a bill prohibiting same-sex marriages and civil unions for second reading.
• Lawmakers unanimously supported the proposed legislation during plenary on July 21, 2026.
• If passed, the law would join other states in Nigeria with similar laws restricting same-sex relationships.

The proposed legislation is set to undergo further scrutiny before it can become law.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has taken a significant step towards prohibiting same-sex marriages and civil unions within the state. On July 21, 2026, during plenary, lawmakers unanimously supported a bill that seeks to ban the solemnisation and recognition of such relationships. The proposed legislation is set to undergo further scrutiny before it can become law. If passed, it would join other states in Nigeria with similar laws prohibiting same-sex unions.

This development comes amidst a broader trend in Africa where several countries have enacted laws restricting same-sex relationships. In Nigeria, the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act of 2014 has been in effect, criminalizing same-sex marriages and civil unions at the federal level. However, individual states like Cross River are now taking steps to mirror this legislation, further solidifying the country's stance on same-sex relationships.

The passage of this bill has significant implications for businesses operating in Cross River State. Lawyers advising clients on business operations or investments within the state must now be aware of the potential for increased scrutiny and compliance risks related to same-sex relationships. This development underscores the importance of understanding local laws and regulations, particularly in regions with restrictive laws governing same-sex relationships.

This development means that lawyers advising clients on business operations or investments in Cross River State should be aware of the potential for increased scrutiny and compliance risks related to same-sex relationships, and advise their clients accordingly.

Source: Original reporting via TheNigeriaLawyer