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The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, also known as the anti-gay bill, was recently passed by Ghana’s Parliament, sparking a flurry of debate about its implications and possible legal obstacles.
Though the bill’s goal is to make LGBTQ+ activities more punishable, including jail time for group membership or identification, voices both inside and outside of politics are expressing concerns about its potential ramifications.
Gabby Otchere-Darko, a well-known member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), stressed the importance of Ghanaians understanding the ramifications of such legislative actions while acknowledging the democratic process behind the bill’s passage.
He called on those who were against the bill to take legal action to contest its constitutionality, stressing the value of maintaining democratic values and showing tolerance for those who have different opinions.
“That is democracy! Our institutions of democracy are still strong and alive. Let’s have faith in our democracy. Let’s respect the choices we make and their consequences and believe in the process. Ghana remains a sovereign state, with cultural norms that cannot be wished away but must be respected.”
“I still believe, though, that we can balance our traditional family values with our traditional values of tolerance and diversity. That’s the Ghanaian way. The Ghanaian culture. The Ghanaian spirit. Our history. Our DNA. That is Ghanaian,” he wrote on X .
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, following its successful passage through all three reading stages.
Both support and opposition to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill have been expressed, highlighting the complexity of human rights, cultural norms, and legal frameworks in Ghanaian society.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
