Assent to anti-gay bill – GPCC to Akufo-Addo
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has urged President Akufo-Addo to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill recently passed by Ghana’s Parliament to make it law.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 1, 2024, and signed by Apostle Immanuel N. O Tetteh, General Secretary, the GPCC expressed gratitude for the bill’s passage and congratulated the private sponsors and supporters.
As a Faith-Based organization, the GPCC thanked everyone involved in the passage of the bill popularly called the anti-gay bill and emphasised the importance of upholding religious and cultural values.
Ghana’s parliament recently passed legislation that strengthens penalties against LGBTQ individuals and those advocating 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 is now awaiting the decision of President Akufo-Addo, who has seven days to decide whether to assent or refuse. The President had previously assured in February 2021 that legalizing LGBTQ activities would not happen under his presidency.
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.
According to them, 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.
Trending News
Adopt Chinese as a second language – Prof Wang Jimm to Ghana
09:21Akufo-Addo leads call to double IDA funding at Nairobi Summit
06:02Economist Bernard Oduro Takyi leads campaign to bolster NDC's electoral prospects in Bono East Region
15:06May Day: I acknowledge challenges faced by workers – Kyerematen
10:15GRA-SML deal: Publish full KPMG report – NDC
18:44‘Maturity, patriotism, love for humanity’ are all we need for peaceful 2024 polls – IGP
14:08Planned EPA staff demo temporarily called off
11:12ECG workers walk out during Ashanti Regional Minister's May Day address
06:30CMG arson attack: Media fraternity too quiet - Security expert
15:16Mahama coming back because Akufo-Addo has failed – Ayariga
14:10