LGBTQ+ resolution: Sam George faults Ghana’s abstention, calls for swift bill approval
The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has criticised Ghana’s recent decision to abstain from a United Nations vote on LGBTQ+ rights, describing it as inconsistent with the country’s declared values and constitutional principles.
Writing on his official Facebook page, Mr George said the decision to abstain from voting on draft resolution L.24 at the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council was “in conflict with Ghana’s espoused position and my conscience.”
He insisted that Ghana must always make its stance “clear and unambiguous.”
“The innocence of Ghanaian children and the sanctity of our values cannot be traded for any consideration,” he stated. “Let truth, our conscience and our principles be our guiding light.”
Mr George reaffirmed that his position on LGBTQ+ matters remains unchanged. He explained that, along with his colleagues in Parliament, he has resubmitted the same anti-LGBTQ+ bill that was passed last year but was not signed into law by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He is now calling on Parliament to expedite the approval process so the bill can be presented to President John Dramani Mahama for assent.
Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies abstention
In response to the ongoing public debate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified Ghana’s position on the controversial vote. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 9 July, the Ministry explained that Ghana did not vote to support LGBTQ+ rights, contrary to some media reports.
According to the Ministry, the resolution concerned the renewal of the mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and not the endorsement of LGBTQ+ rights.
“There was no vote on the support of LGBTQI for which Ghana abstained, as has been wrongly reported by a section of the Ghanaian media,” the statement said.
The Ministry stated that Ghana’s abstention was guided by Chapter 5, Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed, or social and economic status.
The vote, which took place on Monday, 7 July, saw 29 member states vote in favour of renewing the Independent Expert’s mandate, 15 countries opposed, and Ghana was among three that abstained.
In a statement delivered at the Human Rights Council session, Ghana’s Permanent Representative clarified the government’s understanding of gender as “the male sex or female sex, especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences.”
Push to pass Anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Despite the Ministry’s clarification, Mr George maintains that the abstention sends the wrong message, both internationally and locally. He continues to argue that Ghana must protect its cultural values and the “innocence of Ghanaian children.”
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana and has drawn concern from international human rights organisations, who warn that it could result in widespread discrimination and abuse against LGBTQ+ individuals.
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