MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Members of the House of Representatives are reviewing a proposed bill that seeks to compel men to marry women within two years of engagement.

The bill intends to protect women from prolonged engagements without marriage and provide legal safeguards for women who invest years in relationships with the expectation of marriage.

The proponent of the bill and District Two Representative of Maryland County, Anthony Williams, argues that the measure will discourage men from keeping women in prolonged engagements without making a commitment to marriage.

Representative Williams said the proposed law will also require couples to share properties acquired during the period of engagement if the relationship ends without marriage.

Representative Williams said:” The legislation will encourage men to be more intentional about marriage and discourage the practice of keeping women engaged for several years without taking steps toward formalizing the relationship”.