Current anti-LGBTQ bill not robust enough to protect family values — GPCC

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has voiced reservations about the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

The bill was passed by Parliament on Friday, May 29, after a heated debate on the floor of the House.

It seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and what it describes as the promotion of non-conventional sexual relations and family values.

The legislation was approved with amendments that exempt certain professionals, including journalists, lawyers and academics.

The council says the current version of the legislation does not sufficiently address the concerns raised by the Council.

Addressing delegates at the National Leadership Conference in Accra, Chairman of the GPCC, Apostle Dr. Eric Kwabena Nyamekye, said while the Council appreciates Parliament's efforts, the current form of the bill does not go far enough.

“While we commend Parliament for the speed and prioritization demonstrated in passing the recent bill, the GPCC has placed on record its firm reservation regarding its current form,” he said.

According to him, the legislation in its present state is inadequate to protect the country's moral and cultural values.

“It is our position that the legislation in its present state falls short of our expectations and will not be sufficiently robust to protect our time-tested family values and cultural heritage and the moral fabric of our society,” Apostle Nyamekye stated.

He said the Council believes the earlier version of the bill passed by the previous Parliament was more comprehensive and better suited to address what it considers the moral and cultural concerns surrounding the matter.

The GPCC chairman urged policymakers to revisit the previous legislation, arguing that it provided stronger protections for the country's traditional values.

He, however, reaffirmed the Council's support for the government, Parliament and the people of Ghana on the issue.

“Whatever scrutiny this process may attract, whether domestically or internationally, we stand firmly committed to upholding the values, sovereignty, and the moral well-being of our beloved nation, Ghana,” he added.