Cross River State House of Assembly passed a bill banning same-sex marriage and civil unions for second reading, despite legal challenges over the state's constitutional authority.

The legislation, sponsored by Hilary Ekpang Bisong, seeks to block recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions in the state, including those contracted outside Nigeria.Lawmakers unanimously endorsed the bill's general principles, with no opposition on the floor.

However, lawyer Justice Osai Ahiakwo argued that the state lacks constitutional power under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution and Item 61 of the Exclusive Legislative List, as marriage falls under federal jurisdiction.The bill now moves to committee scrutiny before a possible third reading and governor's assent.This follows Nigeria's federal Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act since 2014, which carries heavy penalties for same-sex unions.Critics argue the state legislation duplicates federal law, while supporters claim it aligns with local customs.The Assembly has not set a date for the next reading, leaving the bill's fate uncertain.