NPP MPs will not vote against LGBTQI+ Bill- KT Hammond

A leading Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asukwa, Mr KT Hammond has refuted claims by some Ghanaians that they ( NPP MPs) are against the LGBTQI+ Bill.

He observed that a section of the public were accusing the NPP MPs of being against the Bill due to their silence in the raging debate.

Eight members of Ghana’s Parliament have jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

The LGBTQI+ Bill, which they term as a ‘Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values’, was presented to Speaker, Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

Read Also: MPs against LGBTQI+ Bill urged to lobby colleagues instead of attacking them

The proponents of the bill want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalized in the country.

The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George, who led the MPs to make the presentation, said it “is a landmark legislation that has taken the last 14 weeks working with a fantastic team of professionals to put together. It is in my humble opinion a world-class piece of legislation which should be reference material for other Parliaments seeking to pass similar legislation.”

The LGBTQI+ Bill, presented to the Speaker, is the first major step taken towards the criminalization.

The bill will be assessed by a parliamentary committee after a referral from the Speaker, and subsequently debated on the floor of the House.

“The Bill respects the fundamental human rights of all persons, including those found engaging in the prohibited acts, but spells out a rigid punitive measure in line with our social, cultural and religious stance as a nation. Let me be clear here, homosexuality is not a human right. It is a lifestyle choice. A sexual preference,” Sam George stated.

The other members of parliament that joined in presenting the bill include, Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West) Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando), John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon) and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi).

Although the Bill has received massive support from the public, especially the clergy, the eight have been lambasted by persons who are also not in favour of the bill with some coming directly at Sam George.

But speaking in an exclusive interview with Atinka TV’s Afia Kwarteng Asamani, Mr KT Hammond explained that the NPP MPs were not against the Bill and that after the bill was first read in parliament, they went on recess.

He even noted that an NPP MP who is also a Minister was part of the MPs who presented the bill, a clear indication that they are not against the Bill.

“It is not only the issue of the NDC’s. It is not that the NPP MPs are quiet about it, we went on recess and we were at home observing what is happening. The promoters are being questioned because they are leading the course. If we are not being heard about it, it does not mean we are against it. We are not speaking because nothing has happened for now,” he said.

Mr KT Hammond continued that,”What we want to tell Ghanaians is that they should exercise patience. Gayism is an abomination.”

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Afia Kwarteng Asamani