Nigeria passes bill making being gay punishable by up to 14 years in prison

Lawmakers in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, passed a bill Thursday banning gay marriage and outlawing anyone from forming organizations supporting gay rights. Violations could result in prison terms of up to 14 years for offenders.

According to the Huffington Post, Nigeria's House of Representatives approved the bill in a voice vote, and it is possible that President Goodluck Jonathan will sign the legislation into law.

Nigeria's Senate previously passed the bill in November 2011.

Under previous versions of the proposed law, couples who marry could face up to 14 years each in prison. Witnesses or anyone who helps couples marry could be sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

(image via Memeographs)