The member of Parliament for Bekwai Constituency, who also doubles as the 1st deputy speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu has explained the reason for the passage of Anti- LGBTQ Bill.
According to him, the move by Parliament to second to this bill is as a result of the actions of the Australia high commissioner to Ghana, Ms Bernice Owen -Jones.
The Parliament of Ghana on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 passed the Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 which is known as the Anti- LGBTQ Bill.
This bill prohibits individuals who indulge in lesbianism, Gay, bisexual, transgender and criminalises any form of advocacy or promotion on the activity.
Speaking in an interview on Wontumi TV, on 5th March, 2024, he mentioned that, what propelled Parliament to deliberate on this was when, the Australia high commissioner, established associations for people in this society in Ghana.
“The high commissioner created clubs for the LGBTQ sociey in Ghana and that made Ghanaians furious because it contradicts our values and culture. As a stranger, and someone who came purposely to work, who are you to allow this act in the country?” He quizzed.
Meanwhile, president Akufo Addo is yet to receive this bill, and assent to it.
“We are still ‘cleaning up’ and making some amendments before it can be sent to the president” he added.
Source:otixpress.com/Francisca Nanaba Amoako
