The remarks made by Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris on LGBTQ rights while in Ghana have been frowned upon and criticised as ‘undemocratic’ by the Speaker of the Ghanian parliament.
Ghanaian lawmakers are currently discussing the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and the Ghanaian Family Value Bill – which criminalises advocacy for gay rights and proposes jail terms for those that identify as LGBTQ.
On Tuesday, Speaker Alban Bagbin urged lawmakers not to be “intimidated by any person”.
‘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?’ he said.
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Ms Harris had not directly addressed the bill during a joint briefing with President Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday, but said: ‘This is an issue that we 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.
‘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,’ he told lawmakers amid cheers and claps.
Reacting, the Ghanaian politician described her comments as undemocratic and “should not be tolerated.”
‘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? Come on, we have more than enough. God has created more than enough for every person, the Bill will be passed,’ Bagbin said on Tuesday.
Speaking during a meeting with some religious leaders, the Speaker said no one can dictate to this country, especially regarding the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and the Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
He also criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo insisting he cannot control Parliament on this bill.
Africa Today News, New York reports that gay sex is already punishable with up to three years in jail in Ghana, where homophobic attitudes are widespread, but the draft law would impose longer sentences.