TOWARDS SAME-SEX MARRIAGES IN NIGERIA AND ENGLAND

Abstract

Same sex marriages are becoming popular acceptable norms in many nations in contemporary times. The developed nations of the world are increasingly embracing this phenomenon named same sex marriage. The paper is a product of relevant statutes, treaties, textbooks, judicial precedents. The paper is imperative because of recent agitations by certain same sex persons for recognition in Nigeria coupled with the nation’s historical ties and legal jurisprudence with England. The paper examines the concept of marriage, same sex marriages in Nigeria and England, and marriage as a traditional institution. Homosexual activities either between male or female adults were considered activities carried out between two consenting adults. Different legal systems of the world at one time and by legislations criminalized it. It was towards the advert of the 21st century that different western societies commenced the reviewing of their legal systems to legalize same-sex union. From time immemorial, diverse nations resisted agitations to recognize same gender marriage. Most of those nations yielded to pressure and then amended their laws to accommodate same-sex marriage. This paper concludes that different positions confirm that the world is moving towards same sex marriage. The day will come when Nigeria will decriminalize same-sex marriages. It was recommended that the desire could be achieved without instrumentality of the law and without affecting the traditional concept of marriage. Same-sex couples could as well go about their activities without seeking any license from the government provided the law of the land does not ban their activities.