Minority Accuses NDC of Stalling Anti-LGBTQ+ Law
The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deliberately stalling the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ law, despite previously campaigning for its implementation. According to Ghana News Agency, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin made the accusation, stating that the NDC is guilty of hypocrisy and double standards.
Afenyo-Markin recalled how the NDC, while in opposition, had vehemently pushed for the law, engaging religious and traditional leaders, and organizing protests. However, now that they are in power, they have gone quiet on the issue, with President John Mahama claiming wider consultations are needed.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, officially titled the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, was unanimously passed by Parliament in February 2024 but is yet to be signed into law. Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC’s Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, of using procedural tactics to block attempts to reintroduce the bill.
The bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, with penalties ranging from six months to three years’ imprisonment for individuals, and between three and five years for promoters or sponsors. The Minority believes the NDC is exploiting the issue for electoral advantage and is now trying to distance themselves.
The controversy highlights the ongoing debate on LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, with many citizens holding conservative views. The outcome of this saga remains uncertain, with the NDC’s intentions and the President’s stance on the bill under scrutiny.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
