”This government is duty-bound to protect the moral integrity of our society” – Governor Yusuf moves to criminalise same-sex marriage and ‘immoral practices’ in Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the transmission of a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to ban same-sex marriage and other practices the government deems immoral.
The approval was given during the 31st Executive Council meeting in Kwankwasiyya City, according to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that his administration will not compromise on Islamic values, cultural norms, or the teachings of the state’s heritage. He explained that the bill specifically targets same-sex marriage as well as practices locally known as Madugo and Liwadi, which are considered forbidden.
“Under no circumstance will we allow acts that contradict our religion and traditions to take root in Kano. This government is duty-bound to protect the moral integrity of our society,” Yusuf said.
If passed, offenders found guilty of engaging in or promoting same-sex unions or related practices will face strict legal consequences. The governor also urged lawmakers to fast-track deliberations on the bill.
This move comes more than a decade after former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in 2014, which criminalized same-sex unions nationwide with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
