The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed his profound concern over the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024” being passed by the Ghanaian Parliament.
The statement made by Türk reflects the concerns raised by various human rights organizations and advocates regarding the impact of the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies in Ghana.
“I urge against the bill’s passage into law. Regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, I implore the Ghanaian government to take action to guarantee that everyone can live without fear of violence, discrimination, or stigma. It is never appropriate to make consenting same-sex behavior illegal.”
Volker Türk, UN Commissioner
The High Commissioner also voiced grave concern over the Bill’s illegalization of the lawful work of human rights advocates, educators, doctors, landlords, and healthcare seekers, as well as its excessive restriction of everyone’s right to free speech and association in Ghana.
As per the statement made by the High Commissioner, “the bill runs counter to Ghana’s own Constitution and freely-undertaken regional and international human rights obligations and commitments, including to leave no one behind in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
According to the Commissioner for Human Rights, evidence suggests that criminal penalties for consensual same-sex behavior legitimize prejudice and put victims at risk of hate crimes, police brutality, harassment, blackmail, torture, and other crimes.
Türk further stated that the Bill also violates important international human rights norms and standards on equality, non-discrimination, privacy, and equal protection of the law.
They also continue to discriminate against people and prevent them from accessing essential services like housing, healthcare, and education, the UN Commissioner for Human Rights continued.
This legislation, which has been passed by the Parliament of Ghana, is considered by many as a significant step backward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The bill not only criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities but also targets those who support the LGBTQ+ community. This includes not only individuals but also advocacy groups and organizations that work to promote the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The passage of this bill has sparked widespread criticism from both within and outside Ghana. Human rights organizations and advocates argue that the bill infringes upon fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and association. They warn that the bill could lead to increased marginalization and persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, and could potentially have a chilling effect on the democratic processes in Ghana.
The Commissioner for Human Rights disclosed that the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill represents a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. It not only criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities but also targets those who support the LGBTQ+ community, leading to potential legal consequences for a wide range of activities related to LGBTQ+ advocacy and support.
Türk emphasized that the bill is destructive and will harm society as a whole. To make sure Ghana complies with its duties and commitments regarding human rights, he reiterated his office’s resolve to collaborate with the Ghanaian government and its national partners.
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