Odododiodioo MP Backs Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Says Legislation Protects Ghanaian Culture

Member of Parliament for Odododiodioo, Hon Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, has endorsed the anti-LGBTQ bill, arguing that the legislation is needed to protect Ghanaian cultural values and family structures.

Speaking during the Second Reading of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in Parliament, Hon Ashie said he was contributing in support of the motion to adopt the report of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee.

“Mister Speaker, I stand to contribute to the motion for the adoption of the report of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024,” he told the House.

Hon Ashie noted that the bill had been passed by the previous Parliament but was not assented to before that Parliament ended. He said the legislation has drawn significant public interest.

“This bill has the hearts of Ghanaians following. This bill has been an eye opener, very educative, and has gotten our traditional authorities, religious authorities and Ghanaians at large shown utmost interest,” he said.

Referring to Clause 6 of the Committee’s report, the Odododiodioo MP highlighted provisions for exemptions relating to biological conditions. He pointed to cases of intersex persons born with chromosomal variations such as XXY and XO, or hormonal imbalances.

“Ghana is a serious country which today is enviably leading campaigns towards pan-Africanism and therefore it is important that we as a country take a stand towards our sovereignty and sanctity,” Hon Ashie stated.

He clarified that the bill does not seek to criminalize individuals based on identity. Citing the Committee’s report, he noted concerns about criminalizing LGBTQ identity, consensual intimacy, expression, association, peaceful assembly, or access to health, education, and social services.

The MP said the report frames the bill’s objective as protecting Ghanaian cultural values, family structures, and public morality — grounds recognized for limitations under Article 19(3) of the Constitution.

“Mister Speaker, this is a bill that Ghanaians are looking up to, that the entire nation is watching,” he said. “It is my prayer that we adopt this bill and work on it from there.”

Hon Ashie urged the House to adopt the Committee’s report and move the bill forward.

The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ activities, advocacy, and related funding in Ghana.