The United States has worried by the Ghanaian Parliament’s passage of legislation, officially called the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
The US stated that the bill would threaten Ghanaians’ constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly.
In a statement released by State Department Spokesman, Mathew Miller on Wednesday, stating that United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.
The Ghana Parliament, on Wednesday, passed the bill on human sexual rights and family values, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
The bill, called the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was introduced by Sam Nartey George, the MP for Ningo-Prampram.
The United States said, “The bill seeks to criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQI+, as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them. Limiting the rights of one group in a society undermines the rights of all”.
Adding that, “The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy. International business coalitions have already stated that such discrimination in Ghana would harm business and economic growth in the country.
“Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights is a source of stability and prosperity that has long served as a model for countries around the globe.
“This legislation is inconsistent with these values and will, if it becomes law, undermine this laudable tradition”, it said.
Following the vote in parliament, the bill will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo after which he has seven days to assent or refuse to assent, according to Ghana’s constitution as reported by Reuter.
If the President assents, the bill becomes law while it was reported that Ghana’s Akufo -Addo, had avoided the heated debate over the bill, but said he’ll react once it is voted by the parliament.
