Concern over the passing of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also referred to as the anti-gay bill, has been voiced by the United States of America.
On Wednesday, February 28, the bill was approved by Ghana’s Parliament following multiple discussions, contributions, and disagreements with the proposal.
In a statement, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said that passing the bill will jeopardise
“Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy.”
He emphasized that the bill’s passage also undermines Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights and called for a review of the bill “to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.”
“Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights is a source of stability and prosperity that has long served as a model for countries around the globe. This legislation is inconsistent with these values and will, if it becomes law, undermine this laudable tradition.”
Below is the spokesperson’s full statement.
Ghanaian Parliament’s Passage of Legislation Undermines Human Rights
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The United States is deeply troubled by the Ghanaian Parliament’s passage of legislation, officially called the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which would threaten all Ghanaians’ constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly.
The bill seeks to criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQI+, as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them. Limiting the rights of one group in a society undermines the rights of all.
The United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.
The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy. International business coalitions have already stated that such discrimination in Ghana would harm business and economic growth in the country.
Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights is a source of stability and prosperity that has long served as a model for countries around the globe. This legislation is inconsistent with these values and will, if it becomes law, undermine this laudable tradition.
