IPNEWS: Anthony Williams of Maryland County, District #2 has broken his Silence regarding the House of Representatives’ refusal to consider a Bill aimed at rejecting homosexuality in Liberia \
Representative Anthony Williams (District #2, Maryland County) was removed from a regular session of the House of Representatives on Monday after delivering a forceful speech opposing homosexuality, reporters at the Capitol said.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Honorable Williams blasted the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for what he described as a pattern of sidelining communications about same-sex activity. According to Williams, “anytime homosexuality appears on the agenda to be discussed, they throw it out,” and he accused parliamentary leaders of leaving the matter in the committee room rather than allowing a full House debate.
“We raised the issue and the communication was sent to the committee room; up to now it is still in the committee room, so we are asking them to discharge it so we can pass it and they say no,” Williams told reporters. He also referenced a recent bill from President Boakai, saying members had previously accepted legislation to ban “cultural activities which are harmful,” and questioned why a measure related to homosexuality cannot be considered in the same way.
Williams went on to assert that same-sex relationships are being practiced openly in parts of Maryland County. He pointed to closures of United Methodist Church properties, including a UMC church on 12th Street in Monrovia and another in Pleebo, Maryland County, and said some worshippers were now meeting at Pleebo City Hall.
“The communication is pushing forward for us to discuss it to show we as Liberians can’t accept homosexualist activities, period,” Williams said, adding that anyone found practicing such activities should face imprisonment for life.
Advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Liberians and human-rights organizations often monitor parliamentary debate on related legislation
