Source: newsthemegh.com
Virginia Palmer, the US ambassador to Ghana, has issued a warning that Ghana’s economy and international standing may suffer as a result of the Anti-LGBTQ+ law’s passing.
She thinks some of the most intelligent people’s fundamental human rights are being taken away by the bill that was enacted on Wednesday. Palmer said that the bill violates their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press in a post on X, formerly Twitter, expressing her sadness about it.
The ambassador expressed worries about the bill’s possible repercussions on public health and order in addition to its internal effects.
“I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press. It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghana’s international reputation and Ghana’s economy.”
Background
After being introduced as a Private Members Bill in the House for nearly three years, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 was finally passed by Ghana’s Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) rights and Ghanaian family values are the two main goals of the LGBTQ+ Bill, which also forbids actions relating to these groups.
According to the measure as it stands now, anybody caught engaging in same-sex activities could face a jail sentence of six months to three years, with advocates and supporters of LGBTQ rights facing a more severe sentence of three to five years.
The Bill’s sponsors are the Honorable Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram; Honorable Della Adjoa Sowah; Honorable Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah; Honorable John Ntim Fordjour; Honorable Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini; Honorable Rita Naa Odoley Sowah; Honorable Helen Adjoa Ntoso; and Honorable Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor.
The passed bill is now anticipated to be transmitted by Parliament to the President to assent.