The Human Rights Coalition, along with the ‘Big 18’, have praised Effutu Member of Parliament (MP) Afenyo Markin for his proposal to amend the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQI Bill.
Markin suggested substituting community service for incarceration in a bid to reform the justice system and reduce incarceration rates.
Although Parliament ultimately rejected the proposal, the groups commended the MP for recognizing the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In a statement released on Tuesday, 27 February 2024, the groups reiterated their opposition to the bill, citing violations of fundamental human rights provisions in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. They emphasized the importance of upholding rights such as dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of association, and equality, which form the foundation of any constitutional democracy. The groups also raised concerns about the bill erasing Ghana’s cultural diversity and imposing a singular cultural value system on the country.
The statement highlighted the secular and multi-religious nature of Ghana, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in a democratic society. The groups argued that criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities would violate the principle of separation of Church and State, as well as impose religious views on those who may not share them. They urged for the protection of individual rights and freedoms, while acknowledging the right of religious communities to hold differing beliefs.
However, the Human Rights Coalition and the ‘Big 18’ praised Afenyo Markin’s efforts to reform the justice system and emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring inclusivity in Ghana’s democratic society.
Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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