The United States of America has expressed concern regarding the recent approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, by Ghana’s Parliament.
Passed on Wednesday, February 28, following extensive debates and some opposition, the bill has prompted a statement from US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller. Miller highlighted that the enactment of this bill could have detrimental effects on various aspects of Ghana’s society, including public health, media, civic spaces, and the economy.
Moreover, Miller emphasized that the bill’s passage contradicts Ghana’s long-standing tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights. He urged for a reassessment of the bill to ensure the protection of the rights of all individuals in Ghana.
According to Miller, Ghana’s legacy of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights has been a cornerstone of its stability and prosperity, serving as an exemplary model for other nations. He stressed that the legislation, if implemented, would undermine these fundamental values.
Below is the spokesperson’s full statement.
Ghanaian Parliament’s Passage of Legislation Undermines Human Rights
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson
The United States is deeply troubled by the Ghanaian Parliament’s passage of legislation, officially called the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which would threaten all Ghanaians’ constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly.
The bill seeks to criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQI+, as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them. Limiting the rights of one group in a society undermines the rights of all.
The United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.
The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy. International business coalitions have already stated that such discrimination in Ghana would harm business and economic growth in the country.
Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights is a source of stability and prosperity that has long served as a model for countries around the globe. This legislation is inconsistent with these values and will, if it becomes law, undermine this laudable tradition.
