The proposed legislation, titled “An Act to Ban Harmful Cultural Practices in Liberia,” was formally introduced during the 4th Day Sitting of the 3rd Quarter of the 2nd Session of the 55th Legislature.
President Boakai’s communication to the House described the bill as part of his administration’s moral and constitutional duty to safeguard the rights and dignity of all Liberians.
He emphasized that the measure aims to eliminate practices that threaten the health, safety, and overall well-being of citizens, particularly women and children.
According to the President, certain long-standing cultural customs continue to expose many Liberians to physical and psychological harm.
The bill, he noted, seeks to align Liberia’s laws with international human rights standards that protect individuals from harmful cultural or traditional practices.
President Boakai’s submission underscores his government’s commitment to advancing gender equality, human rights, and social justice.
He stressed that the protection of vulnerable groups-especially women and children-remains a central pillar of his administration’s policy agenda.
During the reading of the President’s communication, lawmakers engaged in a brief debate on the significance of the proposed legislation.
Several members of the House expressed support for the bill, acknowledging the need to end outdated practices that contradict modern principles of human rights and public health.
Others, however, called for broad consultations with traditional leaders and communities to ensure that cultural values are preserved in positive ways.
After deliberation, the House Plenary voted to forward the bill to its relevant committees for detailed scrutiny.
The Committees on Gender, Health, Internal Affairs, and Judiciary were tasked with reviewing the proposed act and providing recommendations.
Plenary mandated the joint committees to report back to the body within three weeks for further legislative action.
Experts say the proposed law could mark a major step forward in the protection of women and children’s rights in Liberia if enacted.
The bill’s introduction highlights President Boakai’s continuing push to balance cultural heritage with human dignity and national progress.
