Hundreds of supporters of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, otherwise known as the anti-gay Bill, hit the streets of Accra on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 to express their frustration over the delay in the passage of the Pro-Family Values Bill.
The demonstrators, led by the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, who is one of the sponsors of the Bill, marched to present petitions to both the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice to urge swift judicial action to expedite the pending court case against the Bill.
The group, represented by a broad coalition of religious, traditional groups and other organisations, handed over two separate petitions addressed to the AG and CJ.
Both petitions complained of court delays that have kept Parliament from legislating the bill into law.
The Bill seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities in the country, and it has sparked debates both within the country and internationally.
Supporters argue the bill preserves traditional Ghanaian values, but critics suggest it puts human rights in jeopardy and creates rampant discrimination.
Peaceful
The protest was peaceful yet determined, reflecting the growing tension over the Bill, which has been in limbo since its passage by Parliament earlier this year.
The protesters, attired in black and red, held placards some of which read: “You were not produced out of homosexuality”, “Faith and family are protected by law, not LGBTQ+”, “Pro family, Pro-justice”, “Justice for 90% of Ghanaians”. “Article 1(10) upholds Ghanaian Sovereignty, No LGBTQ+”, among others.
