We will stop 2024 elections from happening if Akufo-Addo doesn’t sign anti-LGBTQ bill – Pastor
The proposed anti-LGBTQI bill in Ghana has sparked a contentious debate, raising significant concerns about human rights, religious beliefs, and political implications.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision not to assent to the bill, despite its passage by parliament, has led to criticism from religious bodies and traditional leaders.
Rev. Emmanuel Boakye, the Country Director of Awsome Bible College in Kumasi and a prominent religious figure, has expressed his concerns about the bill. He emphasized the potential consequences if the bill is not promptly signed into law.
During a recent press conference, Rev. Boakye highlighted that homosexuality is considered an abomination and a threat to both Christianity and Ghanaian traditions in the Christian society.
He stated that religious leaders are prepared to take all necessary actions to compel President Akufo-Addo to sign the Anti-LGBTQI Bill.
Rev. Boakye warned that if President Akufo-Addo does not sign the bill immediately, he will mobilize all religious leaders to prevent the upcoming 2024 elections from taking place.
Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Ghana is among many African countries that are working to eliminate LGBTQ activities from the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
Already, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
Presently, President Akufo-Addo has withheld his assent to the bill over the fact that the constitutionality of the bill is being contested at the Supreme Court due to a case filed by one Richard Dela Sky.
tigpost.co
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