By Fiona Benson
“. . . Boakai, a rooted traditional Lofaian:…the Bill, among other provisions, prohibits female circumcision, child marriage and other harmful cultural practices,” analyst opined.
Thursday, October 23, 2025, session at the legislature was a scene of debates from lawmakers giving the imports on a Bill that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai submitted to the house plenary.
The Bill surrounds issue to curtail “harmful culture practices” that remain national arguments, whether good then, but bad now?
The Boakai Bill is entitled: “An Act to Ban Harmful Cultural Practices.”
He added: “The proposed legislation arises from our national obligation to protect the dignity, rights and health of all Liberians, particularly women and children, who remain vulnerable to practices that have long undermined their well-being.”
Analysts: “Poro and Sande members, enh yor see what Mr. Boakai, our man doing now with our cultural practices? He say a na gud na oh!”
It also affirms country’s commitment under international treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Maputo Protocol.
Boakai, a rooted traditional Lofaian, said the Bill, among other provisions, prohibits female circumcision, child marriage, and other harmful cultural practices.
He also said the Bill establishes penalties for violations, provides support and protection services for victims, and mandates robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
“Recognizing the sensitive cultural nature of these practices, the Bill also introduces transitional measures (which run for six months prior to the ban taking effect) that highlighted broad-based education and community dialogue.
The dialogue includes: Wide-scale public education campaigns through radio, newspapers, social media and town hall meetings; engagement with traditional leaders; women groups; youth organizations and civil society, to foster ownership and compliance,
periodic reporting to the Legislature on progress made in implementing the initiatives.
This Bill is fully aligned with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly under the pillars of Rule of Law, Education and Social Protection.
It underscores the country determination to ensure that no tradition, however
longstanding, should compromise the health, safety and rights of Liberians.
Mr. Boakai therefore, appealed to the House for the prompt and favorable consideration of the Bill, stating: “It passage will mark a significant step to advance good governance; protect human rights, and enhance Liberia’s international reputation as a country committed to “justice and equality.”
Following the reading of the Bill, some lawmakers expressed counter views; while others were in favor, thereby sparkling debates on the floor.
Particularly Moima Briggs Mensah, Bong County District #6 Representatives, spoke in favor of the Bill, giving her support to it passage, while Anthony Williams of Maryland County District #2 opposed to the Bill. Rep. Mensah confirmed being a victim of female circumcision.
But Rep. Williams described the Bill as a complete way to seek the desolation of the country culture.
He meanwhile, promised to vote against the Bill whenever it resurface on the floor.