BRUSSELS, March 12, 2007  –  The European Parliament is set to debate the proposed Bill that would not only ban gay marriage in Nigeria, but would also outlaw representations and advocacy of homosexuality in the country.  This Bill is currently going through the Nigerian Parliament.

The emergency European Parliament debate will be held on Thursday at the end of the plenary session in Strasbourg.

Urgency of the matter has been accepted by the ‘conference of presidents’ of the Parliament under ‘Rule 115 – Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law’.

“It is excellent that this request for an urgency procedure has been accepted,” said MEP Michael Cashman (UK/Labour/PSE) speaking this morning from Strasburg.

“It makes me very proud of my group, the PSE and the European Parliament.  I call upon all MEPs to support the proposed resolution,” he added.

The emergency debate is expected to start about 16:00 (central European time – 15:00 UK time) and can be seen on the European Parliament’s live internet transmission.  To receive the broadcast click HERE and select language (default language on this url is English).

The debate was requested by the ALDE (liberals) and PSE (labour) groups.  Early indications are that a strongly-worded resolution may be passed.

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Posted: 12 March 2007 at 14:00 (UK time)