The Igbo people have a culture that permits same-sex marriage but not same sex copulation.
In this kind of marriage, a widow who has past menopause but without a child or male child goes ahead to marry a younger woman of reproductive age,
So that she could bear sons to continue the lineage of her late husband.
The older woman informs the umunna (kinsmen) about her decision to marry a younger woman.
The umunna knowing that this is a great sacrifice,
Supports her and accompanies her to ask for the maidens hand in marriage.
She pays the bride price and automatically becomes the husband of the young maiden.
In most cases, such widows prefers to marry a woman whom has given birth to children outside wedlock( especially male children),
Because in Igbo land, only bride price validates father hood.
The aged widow, after marrying her wife is given a special honour and place amongst the men.
In some parts of Igbo land, such women are forbidden from having affairs; they must live the rest of their lives without feeling the warmth of a man.
It is also important to note that the marriage between these women are NON SEXUAL marriage.
Homosexuality is an abomination in Igbo land.
The younger maiden chooses a man of her choice among the ụmụnna for procreation.
Whatever child she bears is considered the legitimate child of the widow’s husband and he or she bears the late husband’s name.
This culture has helped in preserving and ensuring the continuity of different lineage……Seê _ Morê
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