The Catholic Bishops Conference has issued a stern warning to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), indicating potential electoral repercussions if President Akufo-Addo fails to sign the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law. Despite the Finance Ministry's cautionary note highlighting potential financial ramifications, the bishops maintain their stance, asserting that the bill must be enacted.
In a comprehensive five-page document, the Finance Ministry outlined the dire economic consequences of President Akufo-Addo's refusal to sign the bill. The Ministry highlighted possible losses amounting to millions of dollars in budget support and financing from international institutions such as the World Bank over the next six years.
However, Very Rev Fr Clement Kwasi Adjei emphasized the bishops' unwavering position against LGBTQ+ activities, emphasizing that support for such practices cannot be condoned. Fr Adjei underscored the significance of the bill's enactment, citing potential implications for President Akufo-Addo and the NPP in future elections.
The bishops' stance aligns with growing international scrutiny, including warnings from the United States regarding the economic implications of enacting the bill. Additionally, human rights groups within Ghana have threatened legal action should President Akufo-Addo give assent to the bill passed by Parliament.
In response to these developments, the Finance Ministry has urged the President to engage stakeholders, particularly faith-based organizations, to communicate the bill's implications effectively. Furthermore, the Ministry advocated for robust engagement with conservative countries, including Arab nations and China, to mitigate potential financing shortfalls.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill underscores the complex interplay between social, economic, and political factors, with stakeholders navigating divergent interests and priorities. As the nation grapples with these complexities, the decision on whether to enact the bill carries significant implications for Ghana's future trajectory.
The LGBTQ+ law is not in line with Christian ethics. Jesus is mentioning sexual deviance at three occasions, none of them referring to homosexuality directly. Paul is condemning “men having sex with men” on two occasions, but Paul of course, is a mere mortal. He does not speak with the authority of God.
Jesus speaks strongly against adultery, but the Parliament of Ghana has not proposed to jail adulterers.
Jesus also speaks against customs officers/tax collectors. We must assume that this was not because he was a proponent of free trade, but because these profession tends to be tainted by corruption and embezzlement. The Parliament of Ghana has not proposed to jail customs officers and tax collectors (although this might have been a popular move).
If LGBTQ+ practices are indeed sinful, what does Jesus tell us to do with sinners? Does he tell us to throw them in prison? In fact, he says: – Let he who is without sin throw the first stone.
So our politicians, which stuff their pockets as “customs officers and tax collectors” consider themselves without sin, ready to stone people who harm nobody in the pursue of their private happiness.