The Minister of Gender, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, has opened a national debate after publicly referencing Chapter 5.3(e) of the Domestic Relations Law in a Facebook post. The post called on jobless men, especially unemployed married men, to report their employed women who have refused to support their families.
The Law:
But what does Chapter 5 Section 3(e) say as referenced by Minister Horace-Kollie in her Facebook post?
The Editorial Board of Verity News has researched 5.3(e) and here’s what it says.
Chapter 5 Section 3(e) of the April 10, 1973 Domestic Relations Law of Liberia (Title 9 – Liberian Code of Laws Revised) states:
“Wife liable for support of her husband if he is incapable of supporting himself and is or is likely to become a public charge.”
While some women, including known feminists, are now openly criticizing Minister Horace-Kollie, the Married Men Association of Liberia and the Association to Protect the Brotherhood are showering endless praises on Minister Horace-Kollie for her boldness and courage to promote what they termed as “real gender equality, gender balance, and fairness in domestic relationships.”
A prominent young Liberian Benita Whitney Urey says she’s disappointed in Minister Horace-Kollie. “I’m deeply disappointed in our Honorable Minister.”
For many years, 5.3(e) has been hidden from men and is rarely talked about.
The specific LAW is attached.
