The Nigerian senate has passed a bill banning same-sex marriages, defying a threat from Britain to withhold aid from nations violating gay rights.

The bill by Africa’s most populous nation calls for a 14-year sentence for anyone convicted of homosexuality. Anyone who aids or “abets” same-sex unions faces 10 years in prison, a provision that could target rights groups. It goes to the nation’s House of Representatives for a vote before President Good-luck Jonathan can sign it into law. (Ghana, please pay attention).

“It would place a wide range of people at risk of criminal sanctions, including human rights defenders and anyone else — including friends, families and colleagues — who stands up for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people in Nigeria,” Amnesty International said in a statement.

The bill passed Tuesday comes nearly a month after British prime minister, David Cameron, threatened to withhold aid from nations violating gays rights, sparking outrage in Africa where leaders interpreted it as “colonial” display of power.

Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries based on remnants of sodomy laws introduced during the British colonial era and perpetuated by cultural beliefs.

Punishments across the continent range from fines to years in prison.

“This is something we raise continually and … we’re also saying that British aid should have more strings attached in terms of ‘do you persecute people for their faith or their Christianity or do you persecute people for their sexuality?” Cameron said in a statement.

“We don’t think that’s acceptable. So look, this is an issue where we want movement, we’re pushing for movement, we’re prepared to put some money behind what we believe.”

Soon after his remarks earlier this month, a flurry of African governments released defiant statements accusing him of undermining their sovereignty and culture.

Last week, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, known for his anti-gay rhetoric, called the prime minister “satanic” for demanding gay rights.

“Do not get tempted into that (homosexuality) madness. You are young people. If you go that direction, we will punish you severely,” state media quoted him as saying. “It is condemned by nature. It is condemned by insects and that is why I have said they are worse than pigs and dogs.”

I don’t get why the UK still continues to think they have control over African nations. Why should they have a say in what Nigeria or any African nation decides to do with their government? They don’t hold power over us and their government checked for thinking they can check ours. How do you feel overall about Nigeria’s decision? Do you think they are right for passing that law or not?

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