Some members of Liberia’s House of Representatives have taken a defensive stance against a proposed bill seeking to ban certain traditional practices in the country.
The bill, titled “An Act to Ban Harmful Cultural Practices in Liberia,”was recently submitted to the House plenary by President Joseph Boakai for consideration.
President Boakai is urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would put an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, practices he says have negatively affected women and children across Liberia.
In his communication, read during the fourth day sitting of the House, the President stated that such traditional practices have long undermined the well-being of women and children, while also violating several international treaties to which Liberia is a signatory.
He cited key conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Maputo Protocol, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
Opposition from Some Lawmakers
Lofa County District #4 Representative Gizzie Kollince is among those opposing the passage of the bill.
Speaking during Thursday’s October 23 sitting, Representative Kollince described the proposed law as “an attempt to eliminate tradition and an attack on cultural heritage.”
He argued that these practices have existed for generations and have helped shape well-cultured individuals, insisting that they should not be hastily abolished.
Kollince, however, called for a meeting with President Boakai to persuade him to reconsider his position on the matter.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed legislation aims to:
- Establish penalties for violations,
- Provide support and protection services for victims,
- Introduce transitional measures lasting six months before the ban takes effect, and
- Mandate strong monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
UNICEF Data
According to UNICEF, an estimated 141,600 girls in Liberia are married before the age of 15, while 518,400 are married before turning 18.
The organization reports on Female Genital Multilation also shows that at least 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM across 31 countries with reliable data on prevalence.
Public Reaction
As debates over the proposed ban on harmful traditional practices continue, many Liberians are closely following the proceedings, eager to see how lawmakers will decide on this highly sensitive national issue.
