A coalition of human rights organizations, including CDD Ghana and “the big 18,” has appealed to President Akufo-Addo to refrain from endorsing the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in its current form once it passes through Parliament.
Speaking to the press in Accra on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Audrey Gadzekpo, the board chair of CDD, highlighted concerns that the proposed Bill, if enacted, would violate the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution, affecting a wide range of individuals, including those in the media.
Professor Gadzekpo emphasized, “We observed that the proposal to substitute community services for castration, as suggested by Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr. Afenyo-Markin, was unfortunately dismissed. While his amendments faced opposition in the house resulting in their removal, we acknowledge his efforts aimed at judicial reform.”
Earlier, on Wednesday, February 21, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin withdrew his amendments to the anti-LGBTIQ+ bill, which sought to impose prison sentences, clearing the path for the Bill’s potential passage in the near future. Despite this, the coalition insists on revisiting the Bill.
“Ghana’s rich diversity, comprising over 50 ethnic groups with various cultural practices and beliefs, should not be overridden by attempts to impose a singular cultural value system,” Professor Gadzekpo argued, citing the constitutional provisions that abolish practices and laws harmful to people’s health and well-being, regardless of cultural or traditional claims.
The coalition raised concerns that the current version of the Bill would curtail journalists’ freedom of expression, stating that broadcasting or advocating on LGBTQ+ topics through the media could result in up to three years’ imprisonment.
They contend that such restrictions would severely impede the work of journalists, bloggers, influencers, and social media users, particularly those engaged in human rights advocacy.
Calling attention to potential setbacks to the country’s democratic progress, the coalition urged the President to withhold assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021 once it passes through Parliament.
“In light of these concerns, we implore the President not to endorse the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021,” concluded Professor Gadzekpo.
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