Assent to Anti-LGBTQ Bill before leaving office – Presby Church to Akufo-Addo

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to sign the anti-gay bill into law before his government’s term ends.

This call comes after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The bill, which has been a subject of intense debate, seeks to criminalise activities associated with LGBTQI advocacy.

It would impose penalties on individuals promoting or funding pro-LGBTQI activities and extend criminal liability to those providing indirect support.

Advocates of the bill have argued it’s necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents contend it infringes on basic human rights and equality under the law.

During the launch of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Bicentennial Anniversary on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the Osu Castle, Dr. Kwakye reiterated the church’s support for the bill, stating that it symbolized their “birthday gift” for the year.

Dr. Kwakye urged President Akufo-Addo to cement his legacy by signing the bill into law.

He emphasised the church’s mission to preserve African cultural values through the gospel and expressed confidence that the President would fulfill this crucial step.

“The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, for us Presbyterians, having given the bill our support at the time when the church was led by my predecessor, we interpreted this as our birthday gift for this year.”

“Your Excellency, make our joy complete, we are confident that in these last days, you will make our joy complete by assenting the bill so that it becomes a law in Ghana. We seek to preserve the values of the African people through the gospel. And we are confident that Sir you will do so.”

However, critics, including human rights groups and some international organizations, have expressed concerns about the bill’s potential to violate human rights standards.

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