06/15/2026
This Pride Month, we cannot afford to look away.
Many of us in the US remember when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played a prominent role in campaigns opposing marriage equality in California and elsewhere in the United States. After marriage equality was ultimately recognized nationwide, some LGBTQ advocates and researchers began raising concerns that anti-LGBTQ organizing efforts were increasingly focusing on parts of Africa, where LGBTQ rights remain under significant pressure.
Today, some of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ laws exist on the African continent. Uganda enacted legislation that includes severe penalties, including life imprisonment in certain cases. Nigeria maintains laws criminalizing same-sex relationships and advocacy. Ghana has seen significant legislative efforts targeting LGBTQ people and organizations. Human rights advocates have expressed concern about the role that international religious and political networks may play in supporting or encouraging some of these movements.
Now Liberia stands at a crossroads.
WE HAVE JUST 9 DAYS TO STOP LIBERIA'S ANTI-LGBTQ LEGISLATIVE PIPELINE
On June 19, 2026, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will open the 8th Strengthening Families Conference in Monrovia, Liberia.
Supporters describe the conference as a gathering focused on family values and social issues. Critics, however, argue that similar conferences and networks have helped create political momentum for anti-LGBTQ legislation in several African countries. Those claims remain contested, but they have become the subject of growing scrutiny from journalists, human rights organizations, and LGBTQ advocates.
Liberia's Anti-LGBTQ bill is already before the House. The conference begins in nine days.
The timeline raises important questions:
• Liberia's Foreign Minister visited LDS headquarters in Salt Lake City in June 2024.
• Eight months later, Monrovia was announced as the host city for the Strengthening Families Conference.
• The conference is taking place while anti-LGBTQ legislation is advancing through Liberia's political system.
Whether these developments are directly connected is a question worthy of investigation. That is exactly why independent journalism matters.
This Wednesday at 11:00 PM GMT, Journal RAGE Liberia Editor-in-Chief Gboko John Stewart will present weeks of reporting examining the conference, the political relationships surrounding it, the historical context, funding networks, children's programming associated with the event, and what can still be done before June 19.
The goal is not to spread fear or speculation. It is to follow the evidence, ask difficult questions, and hold powerful institutions accountable.
I am also asking for your help to raise $10,000 by June 19th. I personally kicked off this campaign by donating $1000 so we have $9000 left to raise. This money goes to support the brave journalists on the ground in Liberia, digital security, and community outreach.
Independent journalism is often the only thing standing between powerful institutions and public accountability. You can make a contribution at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/THH8WJX4S4MH4
