Liberia: Proposed Legislation Seeks Life Imprisonment for Homosexuality

Liberia: Proposed Legislation Seeks Life Imprisonment for Homosexuality

Legislative Review Initiated for Anti-Homosexuality Bill

CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – The House of Representatives has tasked its joint committee on Gender, Health, and Judiciary with evaluating a proposed bill that aims to impose stricter penalties on homosexuality. The legislation, introduced by Johnson S. N. Williams, representing District #3 of River Gee County, is officially titled the “Anti-Homosexuality Law of Liberia 2024.” If enacted, it would amend Chapter 14 of Liberia’s penal code to criminalize homosexual acts.

Constitutional Justification and Cultural Defense

In support of the bill, Rep. Williams referenced Article 5(b) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, emphasizing the Republic’s responsibility to “preserve, protect, and promote positive Liberian culture.” He argued that the bill is necessary to uphold traditional values that are deemed essential for the country’s societal progress. The preamble of the bill highlights that Liberia’s rich cultural diversity is anchored in the 1986 Constitution, which allegedly opposes same-sex marriage and related practices.

The bill further asserts that none of Liberia’s sixteen indigenous tribes have historically practiced or accepted same-sex marriages, and such relationships are widely condemned. The legislation argues that permitting same-sex unions or their promotion would erode Liberia’s cultural values and heritage.

Preservation of Cultural Integrity

The proposed “Anti-Homosexuality Law of Liberia, 2024” is positioned as a safeguard for Liberian culture, aiming to protect and maintain the traditional African value system that many in the country hold dear.

Definitions and Penalties for Homosexuality

Homosexuality

Under the proposed law, homosexuality is defined as any sexual relationship or activities between two or more individuals of the same sex. However, the bill specifies that mere suspicion or allegations of homosexuality do not constitute a crime unless there is evidence of sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Aggravated Homosexuality

The bill also details circumstances under which homosexuality would be classified as “aggravated.” These include offenses involving minors, where the perpetrator is a parent, guardian, or relative; cases where the victim contracts a terminal illness due to the act; situations involving repeat offenders; and scenarios where the offender holds a position of authority over the victim.

Further aggravating factors include when the victim is disabled or becomes disabled as a result of the act, suffers from mental illness or contracts one due to the act, or when the victim is elderly (75 years or older). The bill also considers acts committed under duress, threats, fear of harm, undue influence, or misrepresentation, as well as instances where the victim was unconscious or impaired by drugs.

Next Steps in Legislative Process

The joint committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations within two weeks after the House reconvenes following its second-quarter break.