Parliament to pass anti-LGBTQ law by end of 2021
The Bill is expected to set out a legal regime that will ensure the prohibition of all LGBTQ activities in the country
Parliament is preparing itself to pass a new law intended to criminalize homosexual activities in the country by the end of 2021. This has been revealed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin after receiving a Bill presented by a group of MPs and some religious organizations, Citi News has reported.
The Bill is expected to set out a legal regime that will ensure the prohibition of all LGBTQ activities in the country.
He told the group, “I am very clear in my mind that the Parliament of Ghana will pass this Bill [to criminalize LGBTQ]. I have gone through it and I will confirm that the Bill will be a reference point for many countries. It has gone through all the provisions of the constitutions, laws, and international obligations.”
He added that “I want to assure all of you that we will create room for the Bill to be presented to Parliament officially. We will refer it to the appropriate committee and take it through all the stages of processing a Bill, and it shall be passed this year.”
This development is the latest in a series of developments following public pressure by advocates of the LGBTQ movement for homosexuality to be legalized in the country.
Twenty-one advocates who met in Ho for an empowerment meeting this year were picked up in a joint collaboration by the police and journalists. Criticisms of human rights abuses were quickly leveled against the government by members and advocates of the movement.
However, the Speaker of Parliament announced that the country would not be coerced into legalizing the practice since it contravenes the traditions and beliefs of Ghana.
President Akufo-Addo had also announced earlier this year that his government would not supervise such an endorsement, irrespective of international pressure that is mounted for same.
