The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to assent to the Proper Human Sexual Rights promptly and the Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-Gay Bill. The Bishops criticized the President for delaying action on the matter, dismissing the reasons provided for the delay as “mere excuses.”
This appeal was made during the Conference’s Annual Plenary Assembly, held from November 8 to 16, 2024, at the Pope John Paul II Formation and Training Centre in Ofoase Kokoben, Diocese of Obuasi, Ashanti Region. “We urge the President to give his assent to this Bill, which we believe aligns with the moral convictions of almost all Ghanaians. We see no justification for the President’s delayed action on the matter.
“We consider the reasons proffered for the delay as mere excuses. This is not a call for discrimination but for the preservation of our moral fabric and the protection of the traditional marriage and family as the foundation of our society.” The Bishops expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing that it reflects their commitment to the sanctity of the family and upholding traditional values rooted in cultural and Christian heritage.
“The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill has ignited passionate discussions nationwide. As shepherds of the Church, we support the bill as it reflects our commitment to the sanctity of the family and the upholding of traditional values rooted in our cultural and Christian heritage.”
This bill has been controversial. Proponents argue it’s essential to protect traditional family values, while opponents claim it infringes on human rights.
The Parliament of Ghana passed the bill on February 28, 2024, but its fate hangs in the balance as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo awaits the outcome of two Supreme Court cases challenging its constitutionality The bill’s progress has been stalled due to a Supreme Court ruling on July 17, which delayed judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal issues are resolved.
Read the full statement below..
By: Leticia Osei
