The country’s Speaker has called US Vice-President Kamala Harris’ remarks on LGBTQ rights in Ghana “undemocratic.”
Ghanaian lawmakers are currently debating the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and the Ghanaian Family Value Bill, which criminalizes gay rights advocacy and proposes jail terms for LGBTQ people.
Speaker Alban Bagbin urged lawmakers on Tuesday not to be intimidated by anyone.
“What exactly is democracy? That someone should have to tell me what is good and bad? Unheard of, because we chose to devalue ourselves and go begging?” He stated.
During a joint press conference with President Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday, Ms. Harris 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 is constitutional and will be passed. He also warned President Akufo-Addo not to interfere.
“This is a message to the president; he has no power to intervene. Wait until we pass it before you come in, “he told lawmakers, to applause and applause.
In Ghana, where homophobic attitudes are prevalent, gay sex is already punishable by up to three years in prison, but the draft law would impose longer sentences.
