A Former Member of Parliament(MP) for Buem Constituency, Mr Daniel Korsi Ashiamah has urged MPs who are against the LGBTQI+ Bill to lobby for some parliamentarians to debate in their favour and not verbally abuse those who presented it.
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.
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.
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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).
The eight have been lambasted by persons who are also not in favour of the bill with some coming directly at Sam George.
Speaking on Atinka TV‘s morning show, Mr Daniel Korsi Ashiamah said, “No one should think that the bill which has been presented is final; it is not! It will go to the floor of parliament. So, for those who are against the bill, it is not about insults, it is not about rights because everyone has their rights. When it comes to parliamentary debate, you join either for or against. So, if you feel it is not good, just go to parliament, that is how we strengthen parliament.”
He continued that, “Go to Parliament! Look for your group members or lobby them that we want this and so we want you to speak in our favour.”
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Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Writer’s email: [email protected]
