Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah emphasized that the country did not sign any agreements regarding gay rights.
He spoke clarifying Liberia’s position on gay rights during the just ended Lusaka summit contrary to media and social media reports.
It has been reported by some Liberians, including former Maryland County Senator, John Ballout, that the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, headed by President George Weah, committed Liberia to a communique during the Lusaka summit, calling for the legalization of gay rights.
However, Foreign Minister Kemayah sought to dispel the rumors, affirming that Liberia did not endorse or sign any such agreements nor engage in negotiations regarding the matter.
He further clarified that Liberia is a country of culture and values, and that he holds strongly to these cultures and values and will not do anything to devalue the country’s cultural heritage.
Minister Kemayah spoke at a Joint Presidential Transitional Team general meeting of sub-clusters committee on Foreign Affairs over the weekend, informing members of the Boakai-Koung government not to dwell on preconceived notions about him.
According to him, assertions by some individuals of him signing a resolution aimed at legitimizing same-sex marriage in Liberia are political and far from reality, calling on those involved to always find a means of getting clarity on misinformation.
He explained that the time for the campaign has expired, and people should not get involved with propaganda, but rather, embrace peace.
Kemayah noted, “Liberia is a sovereign nation with its own cultural, religious, and traditional values. So, the country’s position on gay rights remains unchanged because the country’s stance is rooted in the constitution, which protects the rights and values of its citizens and aligns with traditional beliefs.”
He narrated that going forth to January 22, there should be cardinality among members of the joint team members, expressing openness to work for the successful turning over of power to incoming President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Minister Kemayah, at the same time, also presented full details, including a budgetary analysis of the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and where they are with unfinished business.
He added that these engagements are intended to enable the incoming administration to have an insight into workings, successes, pitfalls, and challenges at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and thanked the team for coordination following the discussion.
Meanwhile, former Maryland County Senator, Ballout, on behalf of the incoming administration’s transitional team, clarified that the incoming administration has no intention of witch-hunting anyone, but would like to see the right things done.
He added that there are questions which the incoming government would also love the outgoing administration to address for an onward smooth transitional process, and thanked Minister Kemayah and team for their role played to ensure a smooth transition
