- LGBTQ+
The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in Ghana, formally known as the ‘Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021,’ continues to spark heated controversy both at home and abroad.
Last Monday, Parliament began public hearings on memoranda it received last month, but the procedure was halted after the first day of session.
However, at a news briefing at the White House over the weekend, the topic was brought up by the president of the United States of America.
During the press conference, Jen Psaki, the White House Press Secretary, was questioned about Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ Bill and what actions the US president will take in response.
“Will the President reach out to his colleague in Ghana or our partner countries on this legislation?” the journalist asked, prefaced by the fact that the measure demands five years in prison for LGBTQ+ people and ten years for activists.
President Joe Biden’s pro-LGBTQ+ attitude was reinforced by Psaki, who also stated that the US will continue to engage diplomatically with partner countries, particularly through the Department of State, which is effectively the country’s Foreign Ministry.
“Well, first and first, I’d want to state that the President thinks that LGBTQ I rights are not only rights in the United States, but rights all around the globe, and that they are rights that we should and will continue to elevate in our diplomatic engagements.”
“I anticipate the State Department to be the initial point of contact,” she continued. “I will direct you to them, and I may also check with them to see how the call went.”
The US Embassy in Accra has long been a renowned supporter of the LGBTQ+ movement; at one point, a Member of Parliament claimed that the Embassy had flown a homosexual flag during Pride Month celebrations.
Some international organisations have openly commented on the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, asking for its rejection, including the United Nations sexual rights advocate and the worldwide Anglican church.
“The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021” is the title of the LGBTQ+ bill now before Parliament. It’s a nonpartisan group of legislators that are sponsoring a Private Members’ Bill.
Sam Nartey George (MP, Ningo Prampram), Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West), Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando), and John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South) — the lone NPP MP supporting the Bill – are the eight MPs who have signed the bill.
Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon), and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor are the remaining sponsors (MP, South Dayi).
A group of 18 academics and human rights activists have spoken out against a measure currently before Parliament that seeks to penalize the acts of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and transgender people.
The organization wrote to Parliament, requesting that the law be rejected because it was mostly illegal and violated basic human rights.
Members of Parliament supporting the bill, led by Ningo Prampram MP Sam Nartey George, have dismissed the memorandum, claiming that the bill would be enacted into law due to widespread public support.
source: ghanaweb
