Prof. Gadzekpo urges Parliament to reject anti-LGBTQ bill

A member of the “Big 18” group advocating gay rights in Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, has called on Ghanaians to speak against the anti-LGBTQ bill currently before parliament, as it will ultimately be detrimental to the rights of minority sexual groups in Ghana.

In a press conference organised by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), Prof. Gadzekpo revealed that, per the information her group has, parliament is fixing to pass the anti-LGBTQ bill in the coming days, despite the numerous concerns they have raised about it.

“As you are all aware, Parliament has indicated it will pass the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021, also popularly called the anti-LGBTQI bill. It will pass it sometime this week, perhaps as soon as Wednesday, February 28, 2024,” she said.

Prof. Gadzekpo appreciated the efforts of Afutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin to lessen the punishment to be meted out to people who are culpable of lgbtq-related offences.

“We observed that the proposal to amend the bill to substitute community service with incastration that was made by the Member of Parliament for Afutu, Mr. Afenyo Markins, was unfortunately rejected. Although his amendments were opposed by the majority of the house, leading to the removal of the proposed amendment, they (CDD) appreciate his effort aimed at reforming the justice system to foster rehabilitation and refuse incarceration,” she added.

She said the stand of the Hon. Afenyo-Markin reflects a recognition of the inherent dignity and rights of all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that the move also affirms the position articulated by Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson, who has emphasised the importance of not penalising individuals simply for their sexual orientation.

Professor Gadzekpo argued that if the bill is passed into law, it will violate the rights of LGBTQ people and hence should not be assented to by the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

She said that although some religious groups see the activities of LGBTQ groups as sinful, Ghana’s democracy is secular, which allows for inclusivity and diversity.

Another member of the Big 18, Professor Takyiwaa Manu, posited that Ghana will be missing out on economic and investment opportunities if the bill is passed into law.

According to her, Ghana’s perceived stance against LGBTQ activities may lead foreigners to view the country as unsuitable for business.