The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values law, 2025, often known as the Anti-LGBTQ law, has undergone adjustments, but Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has rejected the Minority’s allegations that these changes have lessened the bill’s intended impact, stating that the legislation is unwavering in its fundamental goals.
Journalists and media outlets covering LGBTQ-related topics or current events while performing their duties are exempt from penalties under the updated framework.
The bill also exempts medical practitioners from sanctions, including those who provide LGBTQ individuals with surgical, psychiatric, and counselling services.
Speaking on Saturday, May 30, on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, he refuted claims that the bill had been weakened and emphasised that the government is still completely committed to upholding its provisions should it become law.
He insisted that criticism from some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, like as former Education Minister Ntim Fordjour, was motivated by politics and stemmed from a misinterpretation of the government’s stance.
He said that attempts to politicise the law had been thwarted by the governing party, and that the bill’s passage demonstrates their firm stance.
“We have shown that our commitment goes beyond politics and goes to the protection of our children, and we will not compromise on our stance,” he said.
Samuel Nartey George emphasised that the law’s primary goal of making LGBTQ-related acts illegal is still in place, and that those who fall into this category are expected to stop or face legal repercussions.
He emphasised that enforcement will reflect the original intent of Parliament and emphasised that the revisions do not alter the legislation’s content.
In the meantime, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, which outlines specific exclusions for professionals including lawyers, journalists, and medical practitioners performing their official tasks, has been passed by Parliament. It includes penalties for LGBTQ activities.
Source: newsthemegh.com