By Fiona Benson Kollie
The bill seeking to ban all harmful culture practices submitted to the House of Representatives by President Joseph Boakai is under spotlight with several criticisms since it submission.
One of the newest criticisms is a group under the banner- National Association of Kpelle and Kpelle Speaking People of Liberia, who on November 11 petitioned the legislature.
At the same time, the House of Representatives through its Committee on Claims and Petitions chaired by Rep. Prince A. Toles acknowledged receipt of the petition from the National Association of Kpelle and Kpelle-Speaking People of Liberia, calling for the rejection of the proposed bill seeking to abolish the Sande Society and its traditional practices.
The petition was read on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Chief Clerk, Beyan Sali, during the 11th day sitting of the 3rd Quarter of the 2nd Session.
In the petition dated November 11, 2025, the group argued that the Sande Society remains a vital component of Liberia’s cultural heritage, emphasizing its historic role in moral instruction, cultural education, womanhood training, and community discipline. They cited Article 5(b) of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates the State to preserve and promote positive Liberian culture.
The petitioners urged the Legislature to reject any bill seeking to abolish the Sande Society, promote dialogue and reform rather than eradication, and uphold constitutional protections for cultural institutions. They further argued that cultural preservation and human rights can coexist through reform, not abolition.
The petition was signed by Mr. J. LepoluTorlon, National Chairman of the Association.
Meanwhile, plenary has referred the petition to the Committees on Health, Judiciary, Claims and Petitions, Internal Affairs, and Gender for review and to report back within three weeks.