Monrovia, Liberia – In an attempt to make several Christian and Muslim festivals national public holidays, three senators have presented a bill in the Liberian Senate.
On Tuesday, May 20, Senators Joseph Jallah of Lofa County, Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County, and Edwin Snowe of Bomi County presented the proposed legislation, entitled “An Act to Establish Certain Religious Holidays in the Republic of Liberia,” before the Senate plenary. According to the senators, the law aims to strengthen national cohesion and encourage religious tolerance.
According to the proposed law, Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Day) and Eid al-Adha (Abraham Day) should be formally recognized as national holidays in Liberia. The senators argued that the current holiday calendar in Liberia does not adequately reflect the country’s religious plurality, since it mostly emphasizes Christian observances.
The action comes after the Muslim minority in Liberia repeatedly demanded that their main religious holidays be given equal status. Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter have never been officially recognized as national holidays, despite the fact that they are extensively commemorated with the closing of public offices, companies, and schools.
At a public gathering commemorating Lofa County’s 50th anniversary, Senator Jallah had earlier promised to push this legislation, pointing out the significance of religious representation in national politics.
According to the lawmakers’ letter to the Senate, Liberia’s social cohesiveness and respect for one another would be strengthened if important religious festivals were recognized. They underlined that Liberia is a multicultural culture in which both Muslims and Christians support the growth and peace of the country.
Article 14 of the 1986 Constitution, which forbids favoritism toward any faith and ensures religious freedom, was invoked by the senators. They claimed the law is in line with the nation’s commitment to equality and constitutional ideals.
In compliance with Senate norms and procedures, River Gee County Senator Francis Dopoe moved for the bill to be given its first reading. There have been conflicting responses to the bill. The project is viewed as needless or possibly divisive by some residents, while others embrace it.
