Outlaw Gays

Liberia is likely to join the ranks of few African countries that criminalize same sex marriage if the National Legislature passes a bill authored by some lawmakers to outlaw such practice.

But the law, if passed, could have economic implications for Liberia since western powers including the US and UK are tying gay rights to foreign aid to third world countries, including Liberia.

The draft bill surfaced following repeated calls   by UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon and western powers urging African leaders to legalize same sex marriage or risk being deprived of foreign assistance for development.

Rep. Clarence K. Massaquoi (Lofa) introduced the draft bill on Tuesday, saying, Article 5 (b) of the 1986 constitution requires amongst others, the “protection of our cultural and traditional values”, which he said “should be preserved”.

He said the Act which will amend chapter 14 (d) of the New penal code in the country, will discourage the legalization of same sex practice   by declaring it a “criminal offense.”

“I deem it expedient to introduce for your passage a bill entitle: An Act to amend the new penal code chapter 14 sub section d, and to add a new section 14.80...making same sex practices a criminal offense.

“Fellow colleagues, this bill is intended to protect our inherited cultural values, traditions and beliefs. In view of the foregoing, distinguished colleagues, I am kindly anticipating your indulgence for the passage of this bill,” Rep. Massaquoi urged plenary Tuesday.

The bill, which if passed, prescribes punishment for anyone who engages in same sex practice “with or without the consent of the other partner,” has been sent to House’s committee room for “proper” perusal before enacting it into law.

Meanwhile, A lawmaker in Uganda Tuesday reintroduced an anti-gay bill that received wide condemnation, including from President Barack Obama.

MP David Bahati, the bill’s primary backer, originally introduced it in 2009 but it has never come before the full parliament for a vote.

The original draft legislation languished in a committee of parliament as the Ugandan government grappled with the international opposition it generated.

The original draft called for the death penalty for some homosexual acts, one of the reasons the bill received so much attention.

Bahati told The Associated Press last year that he is willing to drop that provision if that is the recommendation of a parliament committee.