The Liberian Senate on Thursday
unanimously approved a bill which would make marrying a member of the
same sex a second degree felony in a nation where such unions are
already not allowed by law.
People found guilty of violating the
law could face fees or prison sentences.
The proposal was sponsored by Senator
Jewel Taylor, ex-wife of former President Charles Taylor. Charles
Taylor is currently serving a 50-year prison sentence for war crimes
and crimes against humanity.
Senator Jewel Taylor told colleagues
that her proposal would strengthen marriage between a man and woman
and denied the measure was anti-gay.
“There are people who are homosexual
that continue to do whatever they want to do,” she
told the AFP. “My bill seeks to ensure that people of the same
sex under our law should not be allowed to get married.”
The legislation now heads to the House
of Representatives, where it is expected to be approved.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has
previously said she would not sign any bills relating to the subject
of homosexuality.