Audrey Gadzekpo, the Chair of the Board of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has expressed deep disappointment following the parliamentary approval of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill.
The legislation, which has stirred controversy, imposes a ban on activities related to the LGBTQ+ community and criminalizes their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while sponsors and promoters of such acts could be sentenced to 3 to 5 years behind bars.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Prof. Gadzekpo emphasized that the bill infringes upon fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These rights include dignity, freedom of speech and association, academic freedom, and equality, among others.
Prof. Gadzekpo underscored the importance of preserving these rights in a constitutional democracy, describing the approval of the bill as a “sad day for democracy.”
Furthermore, she asserted that the passage of the anti-gay bill was driven by political motives rather than genuine concern for societal welfare. She pointed out contradictions in the stance of some proponents of the bill, highlighting statements made by Mr. Sam George, a key proponent, in the past regarding the protection of rights under the constitution.
Prof. Gadzekpo questioned the sudden change in position and morality, suggesting that political expediency may have influenced the decision to push through the bill. She lamented that vulnerable individuals were being disregarded in the pursuit of political gains.
The approval of the anti-gay bill has sparked debates and raised concerns about human rights and democracy in Ghana, with advocates like Prof. Gadzekpo calling for a reconsideration of the legislation in light of constitutional principles and democratic values.