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Anti-LGBTQI Bill: Whether Or Not I Sign Will Depend On What Is Inside The Bill – John Mahama
Mahama described the bill not as an anti-LGBTQI bill, but as a “Family Values Bill,” emphasizing that it was approved unanimously by Parliament. He underscored that the bill aligns with Ghana’s cultural and religious values, noting that LGBTQI practices are seen as contrary to these principles. However, Mahama added that he would carefully review the bill before making any decision. “The president must indicate what he finds wrong with that bill and send it back to Parliament, or alternatively, he must send it to the Council of State for advice,” he explained.
Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has outlined the conditions under which he would consider signing the controversial anti-LGBTQI bill, should he be elected president. In an interview with BBC Africa on December 4, Mahama made it clear that his decision would depend on the specific contents of the bill.
Mahama described the bill not as an anti-LGBTQI bill, but as a “Family Values Bill,” emphasizing that it was approved unanimously by Parliament. He underscored that the bill aligns with Ghana’s cultural and religious values, noting that LGBTQI practices are seen as contrary to these principles. However, Mahama added that he would carefully review the bill before making any decision. “The president must indicate what he finds wrong with that bill and send it back to Parliament, or alternatively, he must send it to the Council of State for advice,” he explained.
When asked how he would have responded if he were president when the bill passed, Mahama confirmed that he would have followed the same process. “That is what I would have done,” he said.
Regarding whether he would sign the bill if elected, Mahama clarified that it would depend entirely on the details of the bill. “It depends on what is in the bill,” he stated, implying that his decision would be based on a thorough examination of its provisions.
Background: Legal Challenges to the Bill
The “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” passed by Parliament, has been met with legal challenges. Two lawsuits are currently pending before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the bill.
One of the lawsuits, filed by legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky, argues that the bill violates several provisions of the 1992 Constitution, including articles related to human rights and freedoms. Sky is seeking a declaration that the bill was improperly passed, claiming it imposes charges on the state’s finances without the proper legislative process.
In a separate legal action, Dr. Amanda Odoi has raised concerns over certain provisions in the bill and is requesting a restraining order to prevent it from being forwarded to President Akufo-Addo for assent. Both lawsuits seek to halt the implementation of the bill, citing potential constitutional violations.
The controversy surrounding the bill continues to divide public opinion, with some advocating for the protection of family values while others raise concerns about the bill’s impact on human rights and constitutional freedoms. The legal challenges are expected to further delay the implementation of the bill.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com
