Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Tuesday, October 8, to voice their frustration over the prolonged delay in the approval of the controversial Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill.
The protest, organized by proponents of the bill, drew a wide range of participants, including activists, community leaders, religious figures, and concerned citizens, all united in their demand for swift action on the proposed legislation.
The marchers, carrying placards with messages such as “Protect Our Values” and “Stop the Delay, Pass the Bill Now,” moved through key streets in the capital, with chants calling on lawmakers to prioritize the bill. Many demonstrators expressed concern over what they perceived as a lack of urgency from Parliament, despite the widespread public support for the legislation.
One of the organizers of the protest, a prominent religious leader, emphasized the importance of passing the bill to preserve Ghanaian cultural and family values. “This is not just about individual rights; it is about the collective values that define us as a society. We cannot afford to sit back and watch as these foreign practices take root in our country,” he stated.
The Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and promote what the bill describes as “traditional family values,” has been a topic of heated debate since its introduction in Parliament. Supporters argue that it is necessary to protect the moral fabric of the nation and preserve the sanctity of the traditional family structure. On the other hand, critics, both locally and internationally, have raised concerns about the bill’s potential to infringe on the rights of individuals and lead to increased discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the controversy, many of those who attended the protest view the bill as a necessary step in safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage. One demonstrator, a local business owner, expressed his frustration with the delay in passing the bill. “We voted for our leaders to represent our interests, and this bill represents the will of the people. Why are they stalling? We need them to act now,” he said.
In addition to the concerns over cultural values, several participants in the protest linked the delay in the bill’s passage to external pressures. Many of the demonstrators carried signs denouncing what they described as “Western interference” in Ghana’s legislative process. One protester stated, “We will not allow foreign governments and organizations to dictate our laws. This is our country, and we will decide what is right for us.”
The protest also saw significant participation from religious groups, with many leaders from various faith communities calling for the immediate passage of the bill. A spokesperson for one of the major Christian denominations in the country highlighted the role of religion in shaping the nation’s laws and values. “Our faith teaches us the importance of family, and this bill is a reflection of that belief. We urge Parliament to listen to the people and pass this bill without further delay,” he remarked.
The government’s handling of the anti-gay bill has been a point of contention, with critics accusing lawmakers of dragging their feet on the issue. Despite public pressure, the bill has remained in limbo for several months, with no clear timeline for its approval. This delay has fueled frustration among its supporters, many of whom feel that their concerns are being overlooked in favor of other political and economic priorities.
As the protest unfolded, several political figures who support the bill also joined the march to express solidarity with the demonstrators. One member of Parliament, known for his vocal stance on the issue, took the opportunity to address the crowd, assuring them that efforts were underway to push the bill through the legislative process. “We hear your concerns, and we are committed to seeing this bill passed. We cannot afford to let our values be eroded. This is a fight for the soul of our nation,” he declared to loud applause from the crowd.
However, not everyone is in favor of the bill, and the opposition to the legislation continues to grow both within Ghana and internationally. Human rights groups have repeatedly voiced their opposition to the bill, arguing that it violates basic human rights and could lead to a climate of fear and persecution for LGBTQ+ individuals. These groups have called on the government to reconsider the bill and ensure that any legislation passed respects the rights of all citizens.
In response to the growing international attention surrounding the bill, several Western governments and organizations have expressed concern over the potential human rights implications of the legislation. Some countries have even hinted at the possibility of reviewing their diplomatic and economic ties with Ghana should the bill be passed
