Livestream: Parliament Debates Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Parliament is debating the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 today.

This comes after Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, recommended its passage.

Heads of churches and Islamic clerics have gathered in significant numbers at the parliament in anticipation of the deliberations on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, also referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The parliament is scheduled to hold a crucial debate today on the proposed legislation, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, prohibit the promotion or advocacy of such activities, and provide assistance and protection to children and individuals impacted by LGBTQ+ issues.

The presence of these religious leaders underscores the widespread support for the bill among religious groups in Ghana.

Their attendance demonstrates the importance they place on preserving traditional Ghanaian family values and upholding their respective faith-based principles.

This gathering highlights the significance of the impending parliamentary discussions and the potential impact the outcome may have on the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana.

As the debates unfold, it is expected that lawmakers will carefully consider the arguments put forth by both proponents and opponents of the bill, taking into account the rights, dignity, and well-being of all individuals involved.

 

Watch live stream below:

Meanwhile; the Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, has stated that passing the bill on the promotion of proper sexual human rights and Ghanaian Family Values will not violate any international treaty.

The Constitutional Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, in its report on the bill, highlighted concerns regarding potential breaches of international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civic and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, among others.

However, during the parliamentary debate on the bill, Bernard Ahiafor, the Ranking Member on the Constitutional Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, refuted these claims.

He denied that the bill would violate international treaties if passed.

“The bill under reference if passed into law will not violate article 108 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana,” Mr Ahiafor said, adding if this bill is passed into law there is no provision in any international treaty or convention that will be violated.”

The bill seeks to proscribe LGBTQ+ and related activities, proscribe propaganda of, advocacy for or promotion of LGBT and related activities; provide for the protection of and support for children, and persons who are victims or accused of LGBT and related activities.

Speaking to Citi News, one of the proponents of the bill, MP for Ho West, Emmanuel Bedzrah, expressed hope that the bill will be supported by the lawmakers on both sides of the house.

“We have agreed with the Speaker, Alban Bagbin and leaders of the house, that the second reading of the bill will be taken today. It is our expectation that after today the consideration will also follow as well. And so we are very optimistic that we will have the reading, which is long overdue.”

“The committee has agreed by consensus that this bill should be passed. And so there will not be any struggle at all. I would have loved that those who are against it should be bold enough and tell Ghanaians, but you will be surprised that everybody will support this bill today,” Member of Parliament for Ho West expressed hope.
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