[News] “Gayism is still a crime in the state” – Cross River Assembly Speaker seeks arrest of organisers of LGBT event in Calabar

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Elvert Ayambem, has urged security agencies in the state to arrest those who organised a gay event in a hotel in Calabar.

According to report, the LGBT event tagged “Pride Ballroom 2023 – Most Beautiful Drag 2023” was held on Friday, June 30.

A source who witnessed the party said most of the attendees are teenage boy wearing female outfits, makeup and carrying handbags.

In a statement titled “Gayism Is Still A Crime In Cross River State” and signed by his media aide, Mathew Okache, the Speaker warned anyone, or any organization, involved to desist or risk prosecution by the authorities.

“It has come to the notice of the Hon. Speaker of the Cross River State House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, that on the 30th of June 2023, a certain hotel in Ekorinim in Calabar Municipality, hosted a gay party in their premises, where under age teenagers were also in attendance,” the statement read.

“The Honorable Speaker is already reaching out to security agencies in the State and relevant government MDAs to ensure that organizers of that obscenity and their collaborators are brought to book as a deterrence.

“Speaker Ayambem, further wants to seize this occasion to warn anyone or any organization in connection with such unlawful activities to desist from such acts or risk prosecution by the authorities.

“It will be recalled that, His Excellency, former President Goodluck Jonathan, on the 7th of January 2014, signed the “Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill” into law.

“The law imposes a 14-year prison sentence on anyone who “(enters) into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union,” and a 10-year sentence on individuals or groups, including religious leaders, who “witness, abet, and aid the solemnization of a same-sex marriage or union.

“It also imposes a 10-year prison sentence on those who “directly or indirectly make public show of same-sex amorous relationships and anyone who registers, operates, or participates in gay clubs, societies, and organizations, including supporters of those groups.

“In addition, Speaker Ayambem, reminded hospitality operators in the State that, no hotel or club should entertain anyone under 18 years of age at any time, unless he/she is accompanied by their parents/ and or guardians.”