Passage of anti-gay bill inconsistent with Ghana's tolerance, peace and respect tradition — US

The United States has expressed concerns over Ghana's passage of a bill targeting the LGBTQ community.

The US argue the bill is inconsistent with the West African nation's traditions of tolerance and respect for human rights.

In a statement dated February 28, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US is "deeply troubled" by the bill, officially called the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

The bill "would threaten all Ghanaians’ constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly," Miller stated.

He specifically highlighted clauses that would "criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQI+, as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them."

Miller added: "'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 remarks come after Ghana's parliament passed the controversial bill on Wednesday, February 28, awaiting presidential assent from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

If signed into law by the president, persons found guilty will be jailed.

Read the full statement below:
US Department of States
Ghanaian Parliament’s Passage of Legislation Undermines Human Rights

PRESS STATEMENT
MATTHEW MILLER, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
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.

Thus comes after Ghana’s Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, passed the bill into law which is currently awaiting Presidential assent.