By our Reporter
Outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf over the weekend issued Executive Order Number 92 to pass into law the Domestic Violence Bill, which was not signed by lawmakers of the 53rd Legislature.
Lawmakers did not affix their signatures to the Bill as required by the Liberian constitution.
The constitution calls for lawmakers to sign a United Bill and forward to President before it comes into law
But speaking when she signed the document just 72 hours before stepping down as President on Monday, Sirleaf said though lawmakers didn’t sign, the constitution gives her the power to do so under Chapter two Section 5.
Chapter two Article 5c of the Liberian constitution it says, “The Republic shall take steps, by appropriate legislation and executive orders, to eliminate sectionalism and tribalism, and such abuses of power as the misuse of government resources, nepotism and all other corrupt practices.”
The outgoing 78-year-old Liberia leader pointed out that her decision to sign the document into law was a necessary action provided under the constitution.
She said it was troubling that Liberia not have a law that criminalizes domestic violence against women, men and children.
“Now therefore, by the power and authority vested in me pursuant to Chapter two, Section 5c of the Constitution of Liberia (1986), I, Ellen Johnson Silreaf hereby issue Executive Order 92 on Domestic Violence,” says Executive Order 92.
In the new law, Domestic violence is defined as: “In General any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or, suffering to women, men or children, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty whether occurring in public or private life between parties in an existing or former relationship.”
Domestic violence is a first degree Misdemeanor Penalties range from fine to imprisonment for a maximum of one year.
Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female President said the new law now complements and implements Liberia’s commitment under the international declaration on the elimination of violence against women.
Section 5 of Executive Order 92 says, “The Court may in addition to imposing a fine or imprisonment, order the defendants to pay compensation to the survivor/victim of an amount determined by the Court.”
The new law also says that a single act may constitute domestic violence.
“A single act may herein amount to domestic violence against a person or a number of acts that form a pattern of behavior may amount to domestic violence,” according to Section 3 of the law.
About a week ago, members of the outgoing 53rd Legislature refused to pass any of the more than a dozen bills submitted to them by President Sirleaf legislate before they ended their session, despite an extended session.