In a recent parliamentary session, Sierra Leone’s Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Segepon Solomon Thomas, firmly denounced same-sex marriage, asserting that it has no place in the country.
Addressing both Members of Parliament and citizens, he emphasized that while Sierra Leoneans may face economic challenges, their strong faith in God precludes the acceptance of same-sex unions.
The Speaker’s remarks came during the committee stage discussions on amending and repealing the Criminal Procedures Act (CPA) in Parliament.
He stressed that anyone found engaging in same-sex marriage would face legal consequences, highlighting that both Christianity and Islam—the predominant religions in Sierra Leone—strictly oppose such practices.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s religious values, Speaker Thomas stated that same-sex marriages are considered irreligious, unholy, and unacceptable within the nation.
In addition to this stance on marriage, Parliament unanimously approved the passage of the new “Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.”
This legislative milestone aims to overhaul the outdated Criminal Procedure Act of 1965, marking a significant step forward in the country’s justice delivery system.
The revision and replacement of the 1965 Act have been underway for over two decades.
The successful passage of the new Act fulfills a manifesto promise made by President Bio and was prioritized in the performance contract signed by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. The Attorney General’s office, under decisive leadership, has now delivered on this crucial commitment.