Lofa County Electoral District #3 Representative, Momo Siaffa Kpoto, has submitted a bill to amend the New Penal Code, specifically Chapter 14, Sub-Chapter D, by adding a new Section 14.80 that criminalizes same-sex sexual practices.
The submission was made during the 14th Day Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 2nd Session of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
According to Rep. Kpoto, the proposed act aligns with Article 5(b) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which emphasizes the protection of the country’s culture and traditional values.
“Fellow colleagues, this bill aims to protect our inherited cultural values, traditions, and beliefs. I urge you to support the passage of this bill, as it will reinforce the trust and confidence our people have placed in us. Let us work together to preserve our values and our emerging democracy,” he stated in his communication to the Plenary of the House of Representatives.
Rep. Kpoto contends that even though Liberia is considered a secular state by the Constitution, it still has an obligation to safeguard its moral and religious values.
The proposed Act (New Section 14.80) stipulates that a person is guilty of engaging in same-sex sexual practices if they have sexual intercourse with another person of the same gender (male or female), regardless of consent. It also asserts that a person can be found guilty if they intentionally engage in acts that arouse or tend to arouse another person of the same gender to engage in sexual intercourse.
Furthermore, the proposed Act states that a person is guilty of same-sex sexual practices if they willfully and knowingly seduce, encourage, or promote another person of the same gender to engage in sexual activities, showing a complete disregard for societal moral dignity.
Under the proposed legislation, same-sex sexual practices are classified as a felony of the second degree, and all trials for offenses under Chapter 14.80 shall be held in open court.
Following the reading of Rep. Kpoto’s communication and the submission of the bill, it was forwarded to the House’s Committee on Judiciary for scrutiny and subsequent reporting back to the Plenary.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
