The passage of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill, has raised concerns from the United States of America.
The bill was approved by Ghana’s Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, following extensive debates, contributions, and some opposition.
In a statement, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed worry about the potential impact of the bill on Ghana’s public health, media, civic spaces, and economy.
He emphasized that the legislation threatens Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights. Miller called for a review of the bill to safeguard the rights of all individuals in Ghana, citing its inconsistency with the country’s values.
The spokesperson highlighted the bill’s provisions that criminalize individuals identifying as LGBTQI+ and those who fail to report them, stating that limiting the rights of one group undermines the rights of all.
Miller echoed the voices of Ghanaians urging a review of the bill’s constitutionality and warned of the potential harm to business and economic growth in Ghana due to international opposition against discrimination.
In conclusion, Miller emphasized that Ghana’s tradition of tolerance and respect for human rights, which has served as a model globally, could be undermined if the legislation becomes law.
The United States stands troubled by the legislation and advocates for the protection of constitutionally protected freedoms in Ghana.
“I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press.
“It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghana’s international reputation and Ghana’s economy.”
She added, “Lots of ethnic communities make Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investments. I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQ community. They should be managed to be made the colour of the money green or red if it’s Ghanaian, but if there is discrimination, then that will send a signal not to [only] LGBTQ investors and exporters but to other American companies that Ghana is less welcoming than I am telling people that it is now.”