The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has urged President Akufo-Addo to grant assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill passed by Ghana’s Parliament, stating: “This is the earnest expectation of most Ghanaians.”
In their statement issued Friday March 1, 2024 signed by Apostle Immanuel N. O Tetteh, General Secretary,GPCC expressed gratitude for the bill’s passage and congratulated the private sponsors and supporters, noting: “They have supported the passage of this Bill through the arduous journey spanning almost three (3) years.”
The GPCC also appreciates the contributions of MPs and the Attorney General’s office, stating: “The deliberations and contributions from Members of Parliament (MPs), which in diverse ways enriched the content of the Bill is highly appreciated.”
They commend Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin for his commitment and emphasize: “Like every nation, Ghana is defined by her unique cultural and family values.”
According to GPCC, as a Faith-Based organization, they thank everyone involved and emphasize the importance of upholding religious and cultural values.
Ghana’s parliament on Wednesday passed legislation that strengthens penalties against LGBTQ individuals and those advocating for non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the country.
The bill introduces a prison sentence of up to five years for promoting LGBTQ activities, in addition to the existing punishment for gay sex.
Sponsored by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and traditional Ghanaian leaders, the bill will now be presented to President Akufo-Addo, who has seven days to decide whether to assent or refuse.
The President Akufo Addo in February 2021 assured that, legalizing LGBTQ activities will never happen under his presidency.
“I have said it before, and let me stress it again, that it will not be under the Presidency of Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo that same-sex marriage will be legal” the President stated during the 2nd Archbishop of the Anglican Church held in Asante Mampong.
Meanwhile, the “Big 18” and Human Rights Coalition has urged President Akufo Addo not to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021.
They argue that, “the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill violates key fundamental human rights provisions in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. In one swoop, this Bill seeks to infringe on, among others, the rights to dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to partake in processions, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
