Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has clarified that the provisions in the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ Bill) do not violate the laws outlined in the 1992 constitution.
During an appearance on Newsfile, Sam George highlighted that critics of the bill have failed to identify specific sections of the constitution that are contradicted by the bill.
Sam George emphasized that Parliament is well within its constitutional rights to enact laws that address social issues, as outlined in Article 17.4 of the constitution. He explained that the bill incorporates existing legislations, such as the Children’s Act, which already prohibits non-heterosexual individuals from adopting or fostering children.
Furthermore, the Marriage Act of Ghana does not recognize marriages between individuals of the same sex, a provision that is also included in the Anti-LGBTQ Bill. Sam George questioned why these provisions are deemed unconstitutional only when included in the bill.
The passing of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill faced opposition from various quarters, including concerns from CHRAJ about potential discrimination against individuals and their freedoms. However, Sam George pointed out that Article 21 of the constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms, including freedom of speech, expression, and belief.
He underscored that Parliament has the authority to pass laws to address teachings or doctrines that undermine the values of the country. The bill aims to punish individuals engaging in LGBTQ sexual acts or promoting non-conventional sexual or gender identities with imprisonment.
While the bill has garnered support from some sectors of the public, others have raised objections to its content. Despite the mixed reactions, Sam George defended the bill’s constitutionality and reiterated that Parliament is acting within its mandate to address societal issues through legislation alone.
