BY ALLEX CONLEY

Controversy surrounds Nigeria -- where the Senate has passed a bill criminalizing gay marriage, gay advocacy groups and same-sex PDA. Sahara Reporters has more on the controversy.

“Did you hear what Senator Domingo Obende (Pronounce - doh-min-goh  oh-ben-day) said? He said, ‘Same sex marriage is spreading and spreading around the whole world just like pornography and terrorism which will become the order of the day if not arrested.’
“I disagree with him totally. Gay marriage is not spreading. What’s spreading is the fight for equality.”

As Voice of America points out -- some are discussing the impact of religion on the bill.

REPORTER: “Christianity and Islam, the two major religions in Nigeria, and African culture consider homosexuality as taboo, Duel Wachico is a lawyer.”
LAWYER: “A man that has sex with a fellow man, sexual intercourse, is prohibited by the law, the criminal law of Nigeria. I don’t know what will happen in the 22nd Century, but in the 21st Century it will not happen. I know that some people are practicing it, but the law will never allow that.”

The anti-gay bill comes just after British prime minister, David Cameron, threatened to withhold aid from nations violating gay rights. CNN reports the entire continent of Africa is outraged.

“[In Africa] leaders interpreted it as ‘colonial’ display of power. Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries based on remnants of sodomy laws introduced during the British colonial era and perpetuated by cultural beliefs.”

The bill calls for up to 14 years in prison for same sex couples who marry. And according to the AP, those who help or witness same sex marriages could get as much as ten years. But are supporters’ reasons for passing the bill flawed? A writer for the non-profit think tank Ekklesia says -- definitely.

“...claims that criminalising same-sex partnership is essential to ensure that the population does not die out, protect national culture and safeguard morality have little credibility… if this bill becomes law, it will do nothing to eradicate Nigeria’s real problems such as poverty and lack of infrastructure … It will make combating HIV even harder, as gays are driven underground and deterred from seeking medical advice and help.”

Despite International controversy, many Nigerians are backing the bill. A writer for Channels says...

“The bill faces little opposition from the Nigerian people, who are largely in support of the nation's lawmakers in calling for strict punishment for Nigeria's hidden gay community.”

To become law the bill will have to be passed by Nigeria’s House of Representatives and signed by President Goodluck Jonathan.