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.
Reacting to the passage of the anti-gay bill, Sam George in a post on X stressed that it will protect the values of the country.
He expressed appreciation to his colleague MPs who sponsored the bill, adding that the desire to see this through was for God and the country.
"After three long years, we have finally passed the HUMAN SEXUAL RIGHTS & FAMILY VALUES ACT 2024.
I am grateful to my Colleague sponsors who have waged this battle with me to a successful end. Our collective gratitude goes to our Leadership and the Rt. Hon. Speaker for their guidance and leadership.
Our values would be protected and defended so long as we have a voice. For God and Country. 🦁🇬🇭"
After three long years, we have finally passed the HUMAN SEXUAL RIGHTS & FAMILY VALUES ACT 2024.
— Sam 'Dzata' George 🦁🇬🇭 (@samgeorgegh) February 28, 2024
I am grateful to my Colleague sponsors who have waged this battle with me to a successful end. Our collective gratitude goes to our Leadership and the Rt. Hon. Speaker for their… pic.twitter.com/ruw686fWJR
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.