-For infidelity
BY: Thomas Kojo Roulhac
Monrovia- Tragedy struck on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, when a 15-year-old female footballer, Alvina Weador of Liberian Upper Women’s League club Stages Queen reportedly brutally murdered her alleged lesbian partner, Josephine Barwee, for having an extra or outside love affair with another female player.
Homosexuality is not legally accepted in Liberia. Article 5 B of the 1986 Liberian Constitution states that “the Republic shall preserve, protect and promote positive Liberian culture ensuring that traditional values which are compatible with public and national progress are adopted and developed as an integral part of the growing needs of the Liberian society.”
In the female footballer Cade, the victim’s friends and family sources unearthed that the confrontation unfolded during the early evening hours that day when love text messages were discovered in the victim’s phone of being in a love affair with another female player.
To the victim’s shock, she encountered her partner who is believed to be the male in the relationship, (Alvina Weador) who viciously attacked her with a Knife and stabbed her multiple times on her head and neck.
This horrifying incident took place along the Japan Freeway in Montserrado County. A few of the deceased friends disclosed that the dispute started between both partners as far as 2023 when Avaina was informed that Josephine who was a player of the lower league club Republican FC was involved in another relationship.
They further explained that the assailant had angrily informed them months ago that she was going to do something funny to her partner or the person who was dating her. “We were not shocked about the news because Alvaina once said she was going to do something funny about the news she gathered and text exchanges she read once from the victim” they explained in tears.
In response to the gruesome incident, Stages Queen Chief Executive Officer, Chris Geeply Weah made a plea to the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice, calling for justice to be served. He emphasized the importance of justice being done for all parties involved.
Mr. Weah also used the occasion to distance the club from the incident while offering support to both parties involved. “In a tragic incident, we regret to announce that one of our players from Stages Queen Football Club has been involved in the alleged murder of another player in the lower league,” President Weah wrote.
He continues: “Our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved family during this difficult period and the club wishes to distance itself from this incident while offering support to both parties involved. We are committed to cooperating fully with the authorities and providing the necessary assistance to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.”
Recently, a joint committee at the House of Representatives was tasked to review a bill proffered by Representative Johnson S. N. Williams of River Gee County District 3, that aims to amend the Anti-Homosexuality Law of Liberia 2024 to make homosexuality a criminal offense. The committee is expected to report within two weeks upon the August body’s return from its second quarter break.
Upon this being known by the public, human rights advocates vowed to resist the bill, as they cited concerns that it would undermine the progress made in protecting human rights in Liberia. “If a Lawmaker will propose this bill, that will be an affront to all of the gains Liberia has made in ensuring the protection and upholding of the tendency of human rights.”
The majority of the Liberian population has expressed strong opposition to homosexuality in Liberia. This has been backed by several reasons, rooted in cultural, religious, and societal beliefs.
One of several reasons for the lack of support for homosexuality in Liberia is the deeply ingrained cultural norms and values that shape societal attitudes. Traditional beliefs and practices often uphold heterosexual relationships as the norm, and any deviation from this is viewed as a threat to the cultural fabric of the society. Homosexuality is seen as contrary to traditional values and is often stigmatized within Liberian communities. Religious beliefs also play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards homosexuality in Liberia. The country is predominantly Christian, with a significant Muslim minority, and both religions have teachings that condemn homosexuality. Many Liberians view homosexuality as a sin and believe that it goes against the teachings of their faith. As a result, there is strong religious opposition to homosexuality in the country.
In Africa, homosexuality is still criminalized in many countries, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to death. On the other hand, there are a few African countries where homosexuality is not a criminal offense. These countries have either decriminalized homosexuality or have laws that do not explicitly criminalize same-sex relationships.
Meanwhile, the legal status of homosexuality is constantly changing in many African countries, with some countries moving towards decriminalization while others are increasing penalties. LGBTQ+ rights activists continue to work towards equality and acceptance in these countries.
