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 the Same Sex, Solemnisation of Same, Whether Cultural or in Accordance with Any Statute in Existence, and for Matters Connected Therewith, 2026," was sponsored by the lawmaker representing Boki II State Constituency, Hilary Bisong, alongside 10 other members of the Assembly.

If enacted, the bill would prevent the recognition and solemnization of same-sex marriages and civil unions in Cross River State, including unions contracted outside the state or Nigeria, and would recognise only marriages between a man and a woman as valid, providing penalties for individuals who enter into such unions, as well as those who assist, promote or facilitate them.

— PUNCH