Ghana's anti-gay bill has been modified, according to the president.


Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo announced on Monday that an anti-gay measure now being debated in parliament had been "modified" as a result of his government's intervention. Mr Akufo-Addo stated during a joint news conference with visiting US Vice-President Kamala Harris that the bill was not official government policy but had been proposed by a "handful" of private members. He stated that the attorney general had given opinions to a parliamentary committee on the "constitutionality or otherwise of several of its provisions." "My understanding... is that substantial elements of the bill have already been modified as a result of the attorney general's intervention," he said, without providing further information. President Akufo-Addo refused to say what he would do if the bill passed, but expressed hope that the parliament would take into account the sensitive nature of the human rights issue. "We will see what the final outcome will be," he added. Ms Harris stated that she discussed the situation with President Akufo-Addo and that the US regarded it a violation of human rights. If it becomes legislation, the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Value Bill would imprison anyone that identify as LGBTQ and criminalise advocacy for homosexual rights, Ghanaian parliament held public hearings on the bill starting in 2021. It is unknown when it will be put to a vote. In Ghana, where homophobic attitudes are prevalent, gay sex is already punishable by up to three years in prison, but the draft law would impose longer sentences. Mr Akufo-Addo has already spoken out against same-sex marriage, stating it would never be legalised while he is president. 

By Covenant 


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