President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's rhetorical posture on gay issue or same sex is receiving criticisms here with calls for her to take a clear position on the issue.
Since western countries announced same sex as a precondition to providing aid to Africa, few countries in the sub-region, particularly Nigeria and Ghana have out-rightly denounced the policy. Public reactions to a gay rights activism here have been unkindly with threats against a self-style lead campaigner.
President Sirleaf had earlier been quoted as saying she has no plan to sign same sex marriage into law, a declaration which The Guardian newspaper of Britain termed as an expression of her opposition to gay and lesbian marriage in Liberia.
Immediately following The Guardian's report, the Executive Mansion issued a statement in which it noted, "As in any democracy, the President will not impose her personal beliefs on the people, but she reserves her constitutional prerogatives to stop any type of extremist legislation intended to marginalize or give a particular group of citizens a status because of their sexual orientation or practices."
The statement further said, there are no anti-gay or anti-lesbian laws anywhere in Liberia, saying "We therefore do not have laws that are pro- or anti-gay. Some social activists want to introduce laws that make 'gay marriage legal' and some legislators want to bring in new laws that criminalize what they consider as 'gay or lesbian sexual practices.' The President is on record as saying that she will veto any such legislation."
The Mansion's statement in effect, means the President is neither for nor against same sex marriage in the country.
But Montserrado County Electoral District #4 Representative Henry B. Fahnbulleh, a staunch member of the governing Unity Party, thinks the President should be very definite on gay's rights here. He said it is unfortunate for the Chief Executive to be indecisive when in fact, it has become a national issue.
Speaking to reporters on the grounds of the Capitol Building Tuesday, Rep. Fahnbulleh said delay tactics introduced by President Sirleaf create room for speculations among the citizens, including those keenly following national issues in the country.
He said since the introduction of speculation about gay rights in the country, Madam Sirleaf, who is a mother, has failed to publicly declared whether she's in favor of the practice or not.
"For me, if you were to ask me about my position on gay rights, I will go straight to the point. I am totally against the practice. Let her do the right thing by telling the public about her position on the subject matter, and she should stop the delay tactics", Fahnbulleh urged.
The UP lawmaker is the second member of the House of Representatives to take on the President. Maryland County Representative Bhofal Chambers had earlier called on the President to tell the Liberian people clearly where she stands on the matter.
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What a joke Fahnbulleh is making himself out to be, He should realize that within his own family are gay persons. Just as the Tolbert regime incarcerated him from being outside the system, so is he persecuting gays by his stance because they are outside of the norm. We are all Gods children and being God the infallable, he makes no mistakes but has purpose for all of his creations and children. No person in their right mind would choose such a sexual orientation with all the prejudices such a life style exposes them to: Even in Western Countries much like a backwards country like Liberia. For Dr. Fahnbulleh to take this stance speaks volumes about the rhetoric he spews regarding human rights and justice for all. He is in the legislature for the people and that means all the people: especially those without a voice.
Agree Jay-El! Saw this on DL which exposes the hypocricy of hating people for their love: "To so called "devout Christians" who cherrypick passages from our Bible. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Ivorians, but not Sierra Leonians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Sierra Leonian slaves?
I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask Mary Broh to do it?
Those so called christians inclined to be evil, see a sexual act. Others recognize love, even tho they do not agree. Our beloved Liberia has far more important issues to adress."
If Ellen Johnson Sirleaf do not sign into law the anti-gay bill she must be impeach. We as Liberians will not accept any nonsense from the western hypocrits.