A new legislative proposal aimed at confronting gender-based harassment online is now before the Liberian House of Representatives.
The Plenary has forwarded a bill seeking to amend the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act of Press Freedom to its Joint Committee on Information, Broadcasting and Judiciary for scrutiny and recommendations.
The proposed legislation, titled the “Protection from Gender-Based Online Abuse Amendment Act of 2026,” was introduced by Nimba County District #2 Representative Nyahn G. Flomo. The measure seeks to criminalize gender-based abuse and harassment carried out through digital platforms, particularly social media.
According to the draft, the amendment would create a specific offense targeting the use of profane, degrading, or insulting language directed at individuals because of their gender. The bill comes amid growing public concern about the rise of online attacks, especially against women and girls, across various social media platforms.
Representative Flomo said the intent of the proposed amendment is to safeguard the dignity and safety of citizens while maintaining the constitutional protections for free speech guaranteed under Liberian law.
If enacted, the legislation would clearly define what constitutes gender-based online abuse, provide exceptions and defenses for legitimate expression, and establish penalties ranging from fines to possible imprisonment for violators.
The Joint Committee is expected to review the bill and report its findings and recommendations to Plenary for further debate and possible passage into law.
