The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council has publicly commended the recent passage of the controversial Anti-LGBTQI Bill by Ghana ‘s Parliament, a move that has ignited a significant debate both domestically and internationally. In a detailed press release, the Ghana Pentecostal Council lavished praise on the anti-LGBTQI bill ‘s private sponsors and the Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values for their relentless advocacy over the last three years, which has been instrumental in the bill’s success.
The statement, signed by Apostle Immanuel N.O. Tettey, the General Secretary of the Ghana Pentecostal Council, did not shy away from acknowledging the pivotal roles played by Members of Parliament and the Attorney General’s office in refining and bolstering the bill through constructive deliberation and critique. The Right Honorable Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, received special commendation for his unwavering leadership and dedication in guiding the bill to its passage.
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Despite the celebration over the Anti-LGBTQI bill ‘s passage, the Ghana Pentecostal Council ‘s statement highlighted that the legislation still requires Presidential assent to be enacted into law. The council has thus called upon the President of the Republic to expedite his approval, stressing the bill’s significance in preserving Ghana’s cultural and familial values, which they believe are under threat from LGBTQI influences.
The Ghana Pentecostal Council ‘s endorsement of the anti-LGBTQI bill, emphasizing the promotion of religious and cultural family values, underscores the deep-seated convictions among many in Ghana regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. This stance aligns with similar positions held by other faith-based organizations within the country, reflecting a broader societal resistance to LGBTQI rights.
However, the anti-LGBTQI bill ‘s approval on February 28, 2024, has not been without its detractors. Critics, including prominent figures like Professor Audrey Gadzekpo and organizations such as the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the United States, the United Nations, and Amnesty International, have voiced strong opposition. They argue that the legislation infringes on human rights and discriminates against LGBTQI individuals, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for freedom and equality in Ghana.
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This polarized reaction highlights the ongoing global dialogue about LGBTQI rights, cultural sovereignty, and the intersection of faith with modern legislative practices. As Ghana awaits the President’s decision on the bill, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for human rights advocacy and the global fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Read the entire statement below;
