A Bill to Legalize Muslim Holidays in Liberia
- Michael T
- May 20
- 2 min read
A new bill before the Liberian Senate is challenging the nation to confront questions of religious equality and national identity like never before. “An Act to Establish Certain Religious Holidays in the Republic of Liberia,” introduced by Lofa County Senator Cllr. Joseph Jallah and co-sponsored by Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi and Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu, proposes to grant official holiday status to both Christian (Christmas, Easter) and Muslim (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) observances157.
Liberia’s population is predominantly Christian, but Muslims make up a significant minority, and both communities have coexisted for generations34. Yet, while Christian holidays are widely observed nationwide, Muslim festivals have never been legally recognized—a source of growing tension and calls for parity27. The lack of official recognition for Islamic holidays has led to frustration among Muslim students and professionals, who often face challenges when their religious observances are not accommodated in schools and workplaces27.
Supporters of the bill, including the Movement for Islamic Holidays in Liberia, argue that this legislation is not just about holidays, but about justice and recognition in a pluralistic society7. They point to Article 14 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and explicitly forbids any religious group from enjoying exclusive privilege or preference347. “It reflects the pluralistic nature of our society and aims to foster mutual respect among Liberians of diverse faiths,” the bill states, highlighting the need for equal treatment under the law7. Advocates also note that several West African nations with Muslim majorities already recognize Christian holidays, setting a regional precedent for inclusivity5.
For years, Islamic leaders in Liberia have lobbied for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to be declared public holidays, arguing that the current practice privileges Christianity while ignoring the contributions of Muslims to Liberia’s development and peace127. The National Muslim Students Association of Liberia (NAMSAL) has publicly stated that the lack of recognition for Islamic holidays directly contradicts Liberia's foundational principles of equality and religious freedom2.
Not everyone is convinced. Some Christian leaders and community members argue that Christmas and Easter are deeply rooted in Liberian tradition and see little reason to alter the status quo48. Others, however, view the bill as a fair and overdue gesture that could help heal longstanding divisions and promote national unity5.
The legislative process is now underway. The proposal, read in plenary by Senate Secretary Nanborlor Singbeh, has passed its first reading and will be referred to committee for further scrutiny before returning to the floor for debate and a possible vote. Lawmakers are expected to consider not only the legal and social implications but also the potential for future claims by other religious groups58.
Senator Jallah, the bill’s lead sponsor, describes the measure as a move to “correct imbalance and formally recognize the realities of our multi-faith society,” fulfilling a campaign promise made during Lofa County’s 60th anniversary celebration. The sponsoring senators have expressed their readiness to defend and clarify the bill before any legislative body5.
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https://inquirernewspaper.com/sen-snowe-to-lobby-for-muslim-holidays/
https://newspublictrust.com/sen-snowe-right-on-track-with-muslim-christian-holidays-bills
https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/liberia/
https://thenewdawnliberia.com/churches-want-snowes-bills-ignored/
https://thenewdawnliberia.com/yj-s-bill-is-a-worrisome-precedence/
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