Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has voiced her disappointment regarding the approval of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill. This legislation imposes a ban on LGBTQ+ activities and deems their promotion, advocacy, and funding illegal. Those found guilty of these acts could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while promoters and sponsors could be sentenced to 3 to 5 years in jail.
In an interview, Prof. Gadzekpo emphasized that the bill infringes upon fundamental human rights protected by the Constitution. These rights encompass dignity, freedom of speech and association, freedom of assembly, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination. She asserted that preserving these rights and freedoms is crucial to constitutional democracy, making the bill concerning.
Prof. Gadzekpo’s remarks highlight the broader implications of the bill beyond its immediate impact on LGBTQ+ individuals. She underscores the importance of upholding constitutional principles and protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“That is why we are saying that today is a sad day for democracy,” she said
“I am telling you that they have passed it not for any reason but for political reasons. Mr Sam George the Chief proponent of the bill in 2015 when his candidate John Mahama was being accused of having a friend who was a homosexual sponsoring him etc etc. Sam George is on record saying that the Constitution protects those rights.
“So I have to wonder why he changed his mind… What has changed? 10 years ago, he had a different morality from today, from 2021, when he proposed the bill.”
“That is why I am saying there is politics. They are walking over the bodies of vulnerable people,” she added
