LGBTQ Vote Conflicts with Ghana’s Espoused Position- Sam George

The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Constituency, Sam George, has taken a dissenting view joining the many Ghanaians disappointed over the country’s vote at the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council.

In his perspective, the decision by Ghana to abstain from the vote conflicts with the espoused position of the country over the subject.

“That vote is in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience. We MUST at all times make our position clear and unambiguous.”

The lawmaker who championed a private members bill to outlaw LBGTQI noted that his stance remains firm.

“The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any considerations. Let truth and our conscience and principles be our guiding light.”

“As I indicated earlier, together with my colleagues in Parliament, we have resubmitted the same Bill that was passed last year by Parliament which Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo refused to sign.”

He, therefore, urged Parliament to expedite the approval process for presentation to President John Dramani Mahama.

Following public backlash, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement clarifying that there was no vote on the support of LGBTQI as peddled.

Rather, it said the vote related to the renewal of the Mandate of the Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

“The question before the Council was whether persons who identify as LGBTQI should be protected against violence and discrimination or not. It was not about support for LGBTQI rights.”

It explained that the country abstained in the vote, consistent with Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which specifically prohibits discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/