February 26, 2012 | Sex & Society

Anti-gay bill being considered in Liberia

Another African country is playing with the idea of increasing the penalty for gay sex. 

Liberia already has laws that punish individuals caught engaging in homosexual acts. Those convicted of the misdemeanor can face up to a year in jail.

A new bill is being pushed by Liberia's former first lady, Senator Jewel Taylor, to make the crime of homosexuality a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

"We are only strengthening the existing law," she said. "Some media are reporting that I said anyone found guilty of involvement in same sex should face the death penalty, I did not say so, I am calling for a law that will make it a first degree felony."

However, Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, has hinted she would never sign such a bill into law.

"The president has vowed not to allow such a bill," said the information ministry in a statement. "And even if the bill goes before the president she will veto it."

"Liberia is a member of the global community and therefore cannot kick against the rights of others to do what they choose to do," said Archie Ponpon, chairman of the Movement for the Defense of Gays and Lesbians in Liberia.

Liberia ex-first lady proposes tough anti-gay bill []