(CNN) -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has signed into law a ban on same-sex marriage in Africa's most populous nation. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry slammed the decision Monday. "Beyond even prohibiting same-sex marriage, this law dangerously restricts freedom of assembly, association and expression for all Nigerians," he said in a statement. "People everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality. No one should face violence or discrimination for who they are or who they love." Samantha Power, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, characterized the law as a "big setback for human rights for all Nigerians." According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the bill passed by the Senate at the end of last year introduces a 14-year prison sentence for people who are convicted of entering into a same-sex marriage or civil union.
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Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signs the bill into law
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry slams the decision
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The law reportedly imposes a 14-year prison sentence for same-sex marriage
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Homosexuality is illegal in most African nations
NAN said the law also forbids people from running gay clubs, societies, processions or meetings in @placeholder.