US ‘deeply troubled’ by Ghana ‘s anti-gay bill, warns of economic implications
The US has officially voiced its concerns regarding Ghana ‘s recent legislative actions (anti-gay bill) targeting LGBTQI+ rights. On February 28, 2024, the Ghanaian Parliament passed the contentious Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the Anti-Gay Bill. This legislation imposes penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison for individuals engaged in same-sex relationships and even harsher penalties for those promoting or sponsoring LGBTQI+ activities.
Reacting to this development, the US State Department, through a statement by spokesperson Matthew Miller, articulated the US government’s apprehension about the potential repercussions of this bill on constitutional freedoms in Ghana.
The statement underscored the United States’ dismay, highlighting that the anti-gay bill not only threatens the freedom of speech, press, and assembly but also seeks to criminalize LGBTQI+ identities and penalize anyone within the community or its allies who fails to report such identities to the authorities in Ghana.
The US government’s response emphasizes the broader implications of such anti-gay bill, pointing out that “Limiting the rights of one group in a society undermines the rights of all.” Furthermore, the statement calls for a constitutional review of the anti-gay bill, suggesting that its enactment could severely impact Ghana’s public health, media, civic engagement, and, critically, its economy. It notes that international business coalitions have already warned that discrimination of this nature could deter economic growth and investment in Ghana.
Highlighting Ghana ‘s longstanding reputation for tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights, the US warns that this legislation represents a departure from those values. The statement suggests that the bill, if made law, could tarnish Ghana’s image as a beacon of stability and prosperity in the international community.
The anti-gay bill legislation’s future now hinges on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s decision. According to the Ghanaian constitution, the President has a seven-day window to either assent to the bill or express his objections to Parliament, outlining any provisions he believes require reconsideration.
ALSO READ: Ghana parliament passes anti-LGBTQ bill (ghanaeducation.org)
This move by the Ghanaian Parliament and the subsequent reaction from the United States spotlight a significant clash of cultural and human rights values. The US’s warning about the economic implications of such a law reflects an increasing global trend where human rights and economic policy are deeply intertwined. International observers, human rights advocates, and economic stakeholders will be closely watching the developments in Ghana, awaiting President Akufo-Addo’s response to a bill that has ignited widespread international debate and concern over the direction of human rights and inclusivity in Ghana.
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