The House of Representatives is set to summon the leadership of the Liberia Council of Churches and the Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Liberia, Rev. Samuel J. Quire, to address allegations of the Church’s promotion of same-sex marriage in the country.
The request was made by Maryland County District #2 Representative, Hon. Anthony Williams, in a communication to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.
Williams argued that the move aligns with the Legislature’s constitutional duty to safeguard Liberia’s cultural, moral, and religious values.
He urged plenary to also invite the President of the Liberia Council of Churches, Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, Jr., to provide clarification and justification regarding the reports.
Citing the 1986 Constitution, Williams noted that while Article 14 guarantees freedom of religion, it does not allow practices that run counter to public policy, morality, or existing laws.
He pointed to biblical passages Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, Leviticus 18:22, and Romans 1:26-27—as defining marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman.
Williams also referenced the Liberian Penal Law, Title 26, Subchapter D, Section 14.74, which criminalizes voluntary sodomy as a first-degree misdemeanor, thereby prohibiting same-sex sexual conduct.
Describing the matter as one with significant moral, legal, and cultural implications, Williams called for urgent engagement with the religious leaders to “ensure clarity and uphold Liberia’s moral fabric.”
Plenary is expected to deliberate on the request and set a date for the appearance of the Liberia Council of Churches leadership and Bishop Quire before the House.