Sign anti-gay bill –GPCC to Akufo-Addo

The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has made a plea to President Akufo-Addo to sign into law the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill recently approved by Ghana’s Parliament. The statement, released on Friday, March 1, 2024, and signed by Apostle Immanuel N. O Tetteh, General Secretary, expressed appreciation for the bill’s passing and commended the private sponsors and supporters.

As a religious organization, the GPCC showed gratitude to all those involved in the passing of the bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, and stressed the significance of upholding religious and cultural values.

The recently passed legislation by Ghana’s parliament imposes harsher penalties on LGBTQ individuals and those advocating for non-traditional sexual or gender identities in the country. The bill includes a potential five-year prison sentence for promoting LGBTQ activities, in addition to existing punishments for homosexual activities.

Sponsored by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and traditional Ghanaian leaders, the bill now awaits President Akufo-Addo’s decision, who has seven days to decide whether to sign or reject it. The President had previously stated in February 2021 that legalizing LGBTQ activities would not occur under his administration.

However, the “Big 18” and Human Rights Coalition have advised President Akufo-Addo against signing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021. They argue that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill violates crucial human rights provisions outlined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. They believe that the bill infringes on various rights, including dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of association, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination, all in one move.