By Melanie Nathan, July 14, 2024
Amidst the passage of Sierra Leon’s new controversial 2024 Criminal Procedure ACT that abolishes the jury system, the Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Honorable Segepon Solomon Thomas, firmly condemned same-sex marriage, informing Members of Parliament and citizens that such unions are not recognized in Sierra Leone.
In his address, Thomas emphasized that while Sierra Leoneans might face economic hardships, their deep faith and reverence for God prevent the acceptance of same-sex marriage. He asserted that Sierra Leone is a “nation rooted in religious values, with both Christianity and Islam strongly opposing same-sex unions.”
The Speaker’s remarks were made during the committee stage of the amendment and repeal of the 1965 Criminal Procedures Act (CPA) in the Chamber of Parliament. He warned that anyone found engaging in same-sex marriage would be prosecuted according to the law.
In a significant development, Parliament unanimously voted to approve the passage of “The Criminal Procedure Act, 2024” into law. The new Act will repeal and replace the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965, a reform effort that began over 20 years ago. After a dramatic encounter between lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition the bill finally saw passage. The Act which received the blessing of the unanimous house to become law will be used to address matters before a criminal court without the service of jurors as in the old act.
Thomas credited President Bio for making this reform a manifesto promise and ensuring it was included in the performance contract signed by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. The Attorney General set a timeline for this legislative achievement, and through his leadership, the office has successfully delivered on this commitment.
Sierra Leone criminalizes same sex relationships through Anti-Homosexuality Law reflected as an anti-Buggery Code:
The British Colonial Offenses Against the Person Act (1861) remains in force in Sierra Leone. Under Section 61 of this legislation, any man found guilty of “buggery” is liable to imprisonment for 10 years to life.
The mere existence of the law licenses anti-homosexuality retribution and hence extreme violence equally against men and women who are LGBTI or perceived as such, given the fact that all same-sex relationships are taboo, and LGBTI people considered “Satanic” and abominations.
Retaliation against LGBTI people, whether gay, lesbian, or bisexual, or anyone perceived as such is severe in countries where there is no specific law, or where law is unenforced as the populace believes it is their duty to save society from the LGBTI person, who will bring harm to all of society if not dealt with.
In Sierra Leone a very large portion of the population is anti-LGBTI rights and believe all LGBTI people are Satanic and abominations and ‘should be dealt with.’ The law is seldom enforced in Sierra Leone, yet often abused, which heightens the vulnerability of LGBTI people.
When a Parliamentary speaker makes such public a declaration, it is all but guaranteed that there will be a surge in violence perpetrated against Sierra Leone’s LGBT community.
By Melanie Nathan
Country Conditions Expert Witness
for Sierra Leone and other African Countries.
commissionermnathan@gmail.com
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