By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has tasked its committees on Gender, Health and Judiciary to review a proposal seeking to amend Chapter 14, Subchapter D of a bill titled “Anti-Homosexuality Law of Liberia 2024.”
This decision was made on Thursday, July 18, 2024, following a communication from River Gee County District 3 Representative, Johnson S. N. Williams.
The proposed amendment aims to create a new Section 14.8, making homosexuality a criminal offense. The amendment defines a “vulnerable person” as someone in need of special protection due to age, sex, illness, physical or mental disability, social or personal status, or other circumstances. This includes refugees, internally displaced persons, stateless persons, asylum seekers, and victims of gender-based violence, illiterate persons, and the elderly.
According to Rep. Williams, “Imprisonment for life” means imprisonment for the natural life of a person without the possibility of being released, and “terminal illness” means a disease without a scientific cure.
He stressed that a person convicted of homosexuality or aggravated homosexuality would be disqualified from employment in a childcare institution or any other institution that places them in a position of authority or care over a child or a vulnerable person.
This disqualification would remain until a probation, social, and welfare officer determines that the person is fully rehabilitated or no longer poses a danger to a child or a vulnerable person.
Rep. Williams also stated that a person who intentionally makes false or misleading allegations against another person under this Act has committed an offense punishable by a fine of $5,000 upon conviction or imprisonment for one year, or both.
An allegation is considered false or misleading if, at any stage of investigation or prosecution, it is proven that the alleged act did not take place or the information reported was malicious.
Representative Williams argued that the amendment would fulfill Article 5(b) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, which mandates the Republic to “preserve, protect and promote positive Liberian culture, ensuring that traditional values compatible with public and national progress are adopted and developed as an integral part of the growing needs of Liberian society.”
He highlighted that Liberia’s cultural diversity and value system, sustained by the 1986 Constitution, oppose same-sex marriage and its associated practices.
He asserted that there has been no same-sex marriage or practice among the sixteen indigenous tribes in Liberia, and that promoting such practices would lead to a breakdown of the country’s value system and disregard its rich heritage.
The enactment of the “Anti-Homosexuality Law of Liberia, 2024” is seen as a measure to enable Liberians to continue enjoying and preserving their African culture and values.
The joint committee is expected to report back within two weeks after the House returns from its second-quarter break.
