Admin I Thursday, Feb.29, 2024
WASHINGTON – The United States is not happy that lawmakers in Ghana have passed stringent antigay law, tagged “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill”.
In a statement, Matthew Miller, Department of States Spokesperson said the U.S is deeply troubled by the Ghanaian Parliament’s passage of legislation, officially called the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
According to him, the bill 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”, the statement added.
It stressed that 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”, he said.
He said the bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy.
It added that 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”, the statement said.