Representative Anthony F. Williams of Maryland County District #2 has proposed legislation seeking to regulate marriage engagements in Liberia, including provisions for recovering certain gifts and financial losses following broken engagements.
The proposed Act, submitted to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon on October 28, 2026, seeks to establish a legal framework for resolving engagement disputes and protecting the rights of intended spouses.
The bill, titled “An Act to Regulate Marriage Engagements, Provide for the Voluntary Registration of Engagements, Promote the Timely Celebration of Intended Marriages, and Protect the Rights of Intended Spouses,” also addresses engagement duration, financial disputes, fraud, and coercion. It emphasizes that no person should be forced, threatened, or deceived into marriage, while recognizing either party’s right to withdraw consent.
The proposal has been forwarded to the House Committees on Judiciary; Gender, Women and Social Protection; and internal Affairs for review and report to Plenary for onwards action.
The legislation has not yet been enacted into law and remains subject to legislative scrutiny and possible amendments.
