By: Fayia Jr. Moseray
In a significant move by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), two women were arrested in the Mango Farm community in Waterloo, Western Area Rural District, for allegedly engaging in a same-sex marriage ceremony. The incident, which took place on Friday, September 12, 2025, has sparked controversy and shock across the community and beyond.
The two women, identified as Janet and Massah, have reportedly been involved in a romantic relationship for some time, with Massah allegedly taking the role of the “husband” to Janet. This same-sex union was said to have occurred despite strong opposition to such practices in Sierra Leone, where both Islamic and Christian beliefs strictly condemn homosexuality and same-sex marriages.
Authorities at the Corner Kick Police Station in Waterloo confirmed the arrest of the two women. They were apprehended for attempting to engage in a same-sex marriage, an act considered illegal under Sierra Leonean law, which emphasizes traditional, cultural, and religious values. Same-sex marriage is not recognized in the country and is regarded as morally unacceptable by many in the society.
The arrest has divided the local community. Eyewitnesses Mohamed and Jojo, who spoke to this reporter, expressed their disapproval of the women’s actions. Jojo, a female resident, condemned the act outright, stating she would never associate with anyone involved in “lesbianism.” However, Mohamed, a local man, took a more lenient stance, arguing that the women’s actions were their personal choice. He stated, “For me, I think there is no offence against the ladies because it is their personal feelings to engage in any type of sexual activity they choose as grown-up women.”
A close friend of the apprehended women, who wished to remain anonymous, described the arrest as a violation of their human rights. She argued, “What is their crime? Why must the police apprehend them for their own feelings?” She emphasized that the event did not disturb the community and questioned why the police had intervened.
Local religious leaders, however, were quick to denounce the women’s actions. Sheikh Osman Dumbuya, an Islamic cleric, called the act “unacceptable” to both Islamic and Christian teachings. He emphasized that both religions condemn same-sex relationships, and he praised the police for their swift action in apprehending the women. “As an Islamic clergy, I strongly condemn the action because both religions recognized in our country criticized the act of same-sex marriage,” he stated. “I am happy for the apprehension of the two ladies and urge the government not to accept such actions.”
On the other hand, a local human rights advocate working for the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRC-SL) described the arrest as “unfortunate.” The advocate, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated that while everyone is entitled to their personal feelings and choices, these actions should not infringe upon the rights of others. “The Commission has gathered information on the issue, and we will do our best to defend the human rights of the apprehended women and ensure the community’s rights are also respected,” the advocate added.
The case has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for further investigation. The DPP will determine whether the two women will be charged and whether the case will proceed to court. Same-sex marriage remains a criminal offence under Sierra Leonean law, and the final decision on the matter lies within the discretion of the DPP.