US Vice-President Kamala Harris’s remarks on LGBTQ rights while in Ghana have been criticised as “undemocratic” by the country’s Speaker.
Currently, Ghanaian lawmakers are discussing the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Value Bill – which criminalises advocacy for gay rights and proposes jail terms for those that identify as LGBTQ.
On Tuesday, following the speech given by VP Harris, Ghanaian Speaker, Alban Bagbin urged lawmakers not to be “intimidated by any person”.
He questioned, “What is democracy? That someone should have to dictate to me what is good and what is bad? Unheard of, because we have decided to devalue ourselves and go begging?”
While Harris had not directly addressed the bill during a joint briefing with President Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday, she said “I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting the freedom and supporting the fighting for equality among all people, and that all people be treated equally. I will also say that this is an issue that we consider, and I consider to be a human rights issue, and that will not change.” Speaker Bagbin told lawmakers on Tuesday that the bill adhered to the constitution and would pass. He also warned President Akufo-Addo against meddling as he said, “This is a word to the president – there is no way he can intervene. Wait until we pass it, that is where you come in.”
Gay sex is already punishable with up to three years in jail in Ghana, but the draft law which is still in parliament, would impose longer sentences for those found in violation of the law.
BBC Africa
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