Anti-LGBTQ Bill: Pastors should pray for sinners, not condemn them - UCC lecturer to Ntim Fordjour

A lecturer in Religion and Human Values at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Rev Canon Dr Confidence Bansah, has criticised the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, over his comments on the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.

The lawmaker, who also serves as a Reverend minister, took to X (formerly Twitter) on October 22, 2025, to announce the bill's presentation and first reading in Parliament.

"Finally, Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, is here for presentation and first reading in Parliament.

"This is a bold apolitical collective pursuit to preserve the sanctity of our cherished values against the devastating tendencies of LGBTQTTAP in society," he posted.

However, the UCC lecturer who also doubles as the founder of the Centre for Religion and Public Life (CRPL-Ghana) rebuked the MP's stance, urging him to prioritise compassion and spiritual guidance over punitive measures.

"As the senior pastor that you truly are, will you not pray for the repentance of sinful souls rather than sending them to prison?" the lecturer stated.

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"It is essential to remember as a pastor that compassion should guide our actions, and prayer can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation. By fostering an environment of understanding, support and love, we can encourage those who have strayed to find their way back to grace."

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, has been the subject of intense national debates, pitting supporters who demand swift assent against critics who raise constitutional and human rights concerns.

As the senior pastor that you truly are, will you not pray for the repentance of sinful souls rather than sending them to prison? It is essential to remember as a pastor that compassion should guide our actions, and prayer can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation. https://t.co/0ALeBJdnXC

— Rev. Canon Dr. Confidence Bansah (@DrBansah) October 23, 2025