MONROVIA – Representative Momo Siafa Kpoto of Lofa County’s District #3 has put forward a proposal to amend Liberia’s Penal Code to impose stricter penalties on same-sex activities. This proposal seeks to revise Chapter 14, Subchapter D of the code, which currently criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual acts under the terms of “voluntary sodomy,” punishable by a prison sentence of up to one year, a fine of L$1000, or both.
Kpoto’s amendment aims to make same-sex practices a non-bailable offense, calling for even harsher penaltiesIn defending his position, Kpoto emphasized that Liberian culture, supported by the country’s predominant religions, Christianity and Islam, prohibits such practices, and he argued that these norms should be strongly upheld. The representative further expressed that Liberia should remain steadfast in its values, unaffected by potential backlash from Western nations, including the United States, over the proposed changes.
In addition to the same-sex amendment, Kpoto has also introduced a separate proposal to standardize the salaries and benefits of staff and faculty in Liberia’s public universities and colleges. The aim is to bridge pay gaps, attract qualified educators, and enhance the quality of education in the country.
