Source: The New Dawn
Sen. Thomas Grupee of Nimba County has reiterated his opposition to the bill seeking 30 percent allotment for women's participation in politics, saying it's in total violation of the Constitution of Liberia.
Sen. Grupee said the Constitution of Liberia strongly condemns discrimination among the citizens, warning that if such proposition were to be legislated, it will hunt members of the 53rd Legislature.
Article 8 of the Constitution of Liberia states: "The Republic shall direct its policy towards ensuring for all citizens, without discrimination, opportunities for employment and livelihood under just and humane conditions, and towards promoting safety, health and welfare facilities in employment."
The senator said if that bill is passed into law, it will create more harm for Liberian Women then good as it will restrict the political ambition of women and also chase talented young girls from pursuing their future dreams.
Senator Grupee had earlier filed a motion for reconsideration, against the clause in the New Election Bill currently before the senate, seeking 30 percent allocation of elected posts exclusively for women, buy his motion was massively defeated. Speaking in the plenary of the Liberian Senate Tuesday, Grupee maintained that he's prepared to battle the clause within the bill even in the House of Representatives.
According to him, his position on the matter shouldn't be misconstrued as being against women's participation in government, but to do the right thing by creating a level field for political participation.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf recently expressed optimism that the ongoing ECOWAS Delocalized Parliament Meeting in Monrovia will give courage to the Liberian Legislature to consider the bill seeking 30 percent women's participation in politics. Bong County Senior Senator, Jewel Howard Taylor is forerunner of the 30% bill.
President Sirleaf made the statement recently, when she officially opened the Delocalized Parliament Joint Committee on Health, Social Services, Gender, Labor, Employment and Social Welfare in Monrovia held under the theme: "Development and Promotion of Quota in the Representation of Women in Politics within ECOWAS at the Joint Chambers of the National Legislature".
The Liberian leader added that the fact that the meeting was held in Monrovia is an indication of the recognition of Liberia's role in the sub-region.