By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor
Three members of the Liberian Senate have introduced a legislative proposal seeking to designate Easter Monday and Eid al-Fitr, (Ramadan), and Christmas Day, as official national holidays in Liberia.
Senators Joseph Jallah of Lofa County, Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County, and Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi County jointly submitted the proposed legislation—titled the Religious Bill—to the plenary of the Liberian Senate. If enacted and signed into law by the President, the bill would mandate nationwide observance of the three holidays.
The bill outlines the following proposed national holidays: Christmas Day – December 25 of each year;
Easter Monday – The Monday immediately following Easter Sunday, based on the Gregorian calendar; and Eid al-Fitr – A movable holiday marking the end of Ramadan, determined annually according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
According to the draft legislation, the date for Eid al-Fitr will be officially announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the National Muslim Council of Liberia. The Ministry is required to issue a public proclamation at least five days prior to the expected date of observance. If applicable, the Ministry of Religious Affairs may also participate in the announcement.
The senators emphasized that the bill seeks to promote religious inclusion, national unity, and social cohesion. “This legislation affirms the religious rights of all Liberians and reflects the nation’s commitment to inclusivity,” the lawmakers stated during their presentation to the plenary.
A copy of the draft bill obtained by this publication underscores that Liberia is a religiously pluralistic society, with significant Christian and Muslim populations. The document asserts that both communities have played vital roles in the country’s peacebuilding, development, and societal stability.
“Recognizing key religious holidays celebrated by both Christians and Muslims as national holidays is a matter of equity and national solidarity,” the bill reads.
According to the 2022 National Census, approximately 84.9% of Liberia’s population identifies as Christian, while Muslims represent around 12%. Other religious groups—including Baha’is, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, and Sikhs—comprise roughly 0.1% of the population. Additionally, 0.5% of Liberians adhere to indigenous beliefs, and 1.5% identify as non-religious.
While the proposed legislation aims to foster inclusivity, it could also raise constitutional questions. Article 14 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and prohibits the establishment of a state religion or the granting of exclusive privileges to any religious group. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate and awaits further legislative action.
