The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), has urged, President Nana Akufo-Addo not to assent to the anti- LGBTQI+ bill.
It will be recalled that Parliament, in early February 2024, approved a custodial sentence of three to five years for any willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.
Those caught engaging in LGBTQ+ activities are to face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.
But the Board Chairperson of CDD, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, said the bill which is expected to be passed this week will not only criminalize persons involved but will additionally violate press freedom.
Speaking at a sensitization workshop for journalists on promoting human rights in Accra, she argued that the bill will punish any citizen who broadcasts or posts publications, stories that are said to be related to LGBTQI+ activities.
Professor Gadzekpo also stated that the bill violates article 108 of the 1992 Constitution which prohibits private members’ bills that impose a charge on the public purse.
“Once our pillars of democracy rest to prevent the tyranny of the majority, depending on where we find ourselves, and on any given issue, we can all experience the feeling of being minorities.
“The rights guaranteed in the constitution is therefore our only protector from majoritarian tyranny. Human rights are not dependent on majority approval or disapproval.
“Therefore the assertion by the proponents of the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill that because the majority of Ghanaians are allegedly in favour of the bill, justifies its passage into law is untenable. Ghana is a secular and multi-religious country,” she explained.