In a recent conversation, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency and co-sponsor of the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, expressed his disappointment with the delays in the passage of the bill and the perceived underhanded efforts to prevent it from becoming law.
Hon. Bedzrah, while reinforcing his commitment to the bill, gave a candid assessment of the situation, particularly highlighting the judiciary’s inaction and the executive’s lack of urgency in addressing the matter.
Hon. Bedzrah began by addressing the ongoing protests in favor of the bill, stating that despite his absence from the recent demonstration, he fully supports the ongoing efforts. He made it clear that his resolve and that of his colleagues remain unshaken.
“Indeed, we do not have any other view apart from what my colleague, Sam George, has put out there. We’ll continue to protest.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
He emphasized the unfortunate delay in the bill’s journey through Parliament and the subsequent handling of the bill after its passage.
According to him, the government’s actions have raised concerns about whether forces are working behind the scenes to stifle the bill’s progress.
Presidential Comments and Legislative Delays
Hon. Bedzrah recalled President Akufo-Addo’s early comments on the LGBTQ+ issue, suggesting that the president had, at the time, indicated that the legalization of same-sex activities was inevitable.
He mentioned the president’s cautious stance, where he indicated that he would act based on court decisions regarding the bill.
“This deal, before even the onset of this bill being introduced to Parliament, you remember the president, His Excellency, was on some external media houses to say that, oh, it’s bound to happen. And therefore, those who think that they belong to that section of our society should make a case.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
The delay, he suggested, indicated a deliberate effort to prevent the bill from moving forward.
“You know the delays that this bill caused in the house for over 3 years. We were not able to pass it until finally it was passed.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
Hon. Bedzrah did not shy away from criticizing the judiciary, particularly the Chief Justice, for what he perceived as inaction regarding the bill.
He expressed disappointment in the judiciary’s failure to expedite legal processes that could have moved the bill forward.
“The rules of court or court’s procedure puts all the powers in the hands of the Chief Justice. [The] Chief Justice can summon those involved, be it Parliament or the Attorney General, to bring their response. Why hasn’t she done that?”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
Hon. Bedzrah questioned the long wait for action, stating that it was unacceptable for the bill to be left unresolved for years while other legislative processes were pushed forward.
“Why are they waiting for so many years, as my colleague has mentioned, for this year to end and for us to start all over again? For us, we see that there is some underhandlings.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
Allegations of Diplomatic Influence and External Pressure
Hon. Bedzrah also raised concerns about the influence of external forces on the bill’s progress, suggesting that foreign diplomats might have exerted pressure on the government to stall its passage.
“You remember before even the deal was sent to the presidency, the president met with some diplomat from outside this country, and he told them that somebody was on the way to present a case to the court. And so he’ll wait for the determination before then.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
Hon. Bedzrah interpreted these actions as evidence of interference from outside forces, seeking to prevent the bill from becoming law. He argued that such influences should not deter the country from adhering to its values and principles.
Commitment to Ghanaian Values
For Hon. Bedzrah, the fight for the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill is not merely a political battle, but a defense of Ghanaian values.
He emphasized that the bill’s supporters would not relent in their efforts to ensure that it becomes law.
“Our issue is justified. Justified on the grounds that we live in a country where we have values, and these values must be respected. We will not allow the values of other countries to be extended to us.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
Hon. Bedzrah was resolute in his stance, affirming that the proponents of the bill would continue to push until the president assents to it.
He issued a stern warning to those who sought to delay the bill’s passage, declaring that they would face divine judgment.
A Biblical Warning
In closing, Hon. Bedzrah invoked a biblical reference to emphasize his warning to those obstructing the bill’s progress. He quoted from the holy book, indicating that God rules in the affairs of men and that those who hinder the bill’s passage would face consequences.
“There’s one scripture I want to leave with those who think that they can hide behind legalities to create problems for us in this country. It’s the book of 2 Chronicles 20:6. It says that, the Lord God rules in the affairs of men.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
He alluded to the recent departure of a key official involved in delaying the bill’s transmission from Parliament to the presidency as the beginning of God’s judgment. He urged the Chief Justice to act by her faith and ensure that justice is served.
“We all know what has happened to the person who has refused the transmission of the letter from Parliament to the presidency. That is the beginning of God’s judgment. The rest should continue to delay what God wants to do in this country. It is a warning.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency
Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah’s statement revealed the frustration of the bill’s proponents, who believe that external forces and internal delays are undermining the will of the people.
Despite the setbacks, Hon. Bedzrah and his colleagues remain determined to see the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill enacted into law, standing firm in their belief that they are upholding Ghana’s cultural and moral values.
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