The Liberian Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a bill which would make marrying a member of the same sex a second degree felony in a nation where such unions are already not allowed by law.

People found guilty of violating the law could face fees or prison sentences.

The proposal was sponsored by Senator Jewel Taylor, ex-wife of former President Charles Taylor. Charles Taylor is currently serving a 50-year prison sentence for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Senator Jewel Taylor told colleagues that her proposal would strengthen marriage between a man and woman and denied the measure was anti-gay.

“There are people who are homosexual that continue to do whatever they want to do,” she told the AFP. “My bill seeks to ensure that people of the same sex under our law should not be allowed to get married.”

The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to be approved.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has previously said she would not sign any bills relating to the subject of homosexuality.