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The United States of America (USA) says the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay bill is “worrying” even though it is yet to be assented to by President Nana Addo Dankwa AKufo-Addo. 

The controversial bill was passed yesterday, February 28, 2024, by parliament. 

However, the US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, in a statement said the bill if passed in law will undermine Ghana's “laudable tradition”.

“Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights is a source of stability and prosperity that has long served as a model for countries around the globe. This legislation is inconsistent with these values and will if it becomes law, undermine this laudable tradition,” Matthew Miller said.

Adding that the bill will also affect Ghana's economy.

Below is the spokesperson’s full statement.

Ghanaian Parliament’s Passage of Legislation Undermines Human Rights

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

The United States is deeply troubled by the Ghanaian Parliament’s passage of legislation, officially called the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which would threaten all Ghanaians’ constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly.

The bill seeks to criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQI+, as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them. Limiting the rights of one group in a society undermines the rights of all.

The United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.

The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy. International business coalitions have already stated that such discrimination in Ghana would harm business and economic growth in the country.

Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights is a source of stability and prosperity that has long served as a model for countries around the globe. This legislation is inconsistent with these values and will if it becomes law, undermine this laudable tradition.