The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has warned that the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ law could negatively affect Ghana’s international reputation and economy.
She believes the bill passed on Wednesday takes away some of the smartest people's basic human rights.
Palmer who expressed sadness about the bill in a post on X formerly Twitter argued that it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press.
The Ambassador did not limit her concerns to the internal impact of the bill but also raised alarms about its potential effects on public order and public health.
"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."
"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… https://t.co/DgCJ7qkpPl
— U.S. Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) February 29, 2024
Ghana’s Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 after nearly three years since its introduction in the House as a Private Members Bill.
The Bill popularly known as the LGBTQ+ Bill aims to uphold proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values while prohibiting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+), and related activities.
The bill in its current form proposes a jail term ranging from six months to three years for those found engaged in same-sex activities, with a more severe punishment of three to five years for promoters and activists of LGBTQ rights.
The sponsors of the Bill are Hon. Samuel Nartey George, MP for Ningo-Prampram, Hon. Della Adjoa Sowah, MP for Kpando, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, MP for Ho West, Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South, Hon. Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, MP for Tamale North, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MPfor Dadekotopon, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi West and Hon. Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi.
Parliament is now expected to send the passed Bill to the President to assent to it.