Sam George, the prominent supporter of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill and Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, has cleared up misunderstandings and false information regarding the contentious legislation.
Speaking On JoyFm, Mr George vented his annoyance at what he considered to be false information and misinformation about the bill that was going around. He addressed several topics, chief among them the notion that job applications would discriminate against LGBTQ+ applicants.
When you apply for a job, does anyone ever ask who you slept with in your bedroom? It’s still between you and your partner what transpires in your bedroom,” he said.
The lawmaker was responding to a previous statement made by Dr Amanda Odoi, a panellist on the program, who claimed that if the Anti-LGBTQ Bill is passed, LGBTQ+ people will not only have their rights violated and feel unsafe in their own country but will also experience discrimination when applying for jobs.
However, the MP contended that it becomes a question of public policy when people decide to publicly identify with their sexual preference. He justified the bill’s emphasis on regulating these kinds of things, claiming that public policy would inevitably come into play.
Speaking to the funding issue, Mr George implied that some advocates of LGBTQ+ rights might be more focused on getting financial support than on the well-being of Ghanaian children.
“If this is all about funding for you, I am more interested in the sanctity of Ghanaian children,” he said.
Highlighting the international context, Mr George pointed out the discrepancy in LGBTQ+ rights enforcement in various countries. He mentioned that individuals respect and adhere to the laws of countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia when travelling there.
Comparing Nigeria’s 15-year jail term to Ghana’s 3-year jail term when found culpable in engaging in LGBTQ+ activities, Mr George questioned the moral authority opposers of the LGBTQ+ Bill would travel to Nigeria and still conform with their rules.
“… but think that Ghana should become a juggle because we think we are so liberal,” he stated.
Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, unanimously passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill following the completion of the third reading.
The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has been a topic of intense debate and discussion since it was introduced to the legislature three years ago. While proponents argued that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, opponents argued that portions of the Bill violate human rights and promote discrimination.
Since its passage, many opponents have shared their displeasure with some Civil society groups threatening to take legal action should President Akufo-Addo assent to the bill for it to become law.
