Don’t forward anti-LGBTQ+ bill to Akufo-Addo – Presidency to Parliament
The Office of the President has told Parliament to desist from forwarding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to President Akufo-Addo for his assent.
The latest directive was contained in a letter addressed to Parliament on Monday, March 18, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.
The request was made in light of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction currently before the Supreme Court.
The letter emphasised that it would be improper for Parliament to proceed with transmitting the bill to President Akufo-Addo for any action, pending the two applications.
“It is the understanding of this office that both applications have also been duly served on Parliament. Therefore, it would be improper for you to transmit the bill to the President and equally improper for this office to receive the bill until the Supreme Court determines the matters raised in the suits.
“In the circumstances, you are kindly requested to cease from transmitting the bill to the President until the matters before the Supreme Court are resolved,” the letter said.
It will be recalled that Parliament in early February 2024, approved the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
With the approval, persons who promote, sponsor and support LGBTQ+ activities will face a custodial sentence of three to five years.
Those caught engaging in LGBTQ+ activities are to face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.
The passage of the bill has triggered reactions from some of Ghana’s development partners, international financial institutions, and CSOs in the country.
The ministry warned that such action could lead to severe repercussions on the country’s financial support from international organisations like the Bretton Woods Institutions.
The Attorney-General has also advised the President against taking any action until the legal issues raised by the applicants are resolved.
Below is the letter to that effect.
