The Christian Council of Ghana has called on Ghanaians to exercise patience as President John Dramani Mahama reviews the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill before making a final decision on it.

The call comes after the President indicated during a visit to the United Kingdom that the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill would undergo further scrutiny to ensure it complies with all constitutional requirements before any action is taken.

Speaking to Citi News, the Coordinator for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations at the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev Jehodia Godwin Amuzu, said the President's decision to seek further legal guidance should not be seen as an attempt to delay the bill but rather as a necessary constitutional process.

Anti-LGBT bill not faithful to its original purpose - Assafuah

According to him, the President has a responsibility to ensure that any legislation presented to him can withstand legal challenges.

“Now, the state, being represented by the President, also has to give the bill to its advisors for them to go through it to be sure that the bill satisfies every constitutional requirement. Otherwise, anybody who goes to court can cause the bill to be struck out. So, I think we should be patient. That is the course of democracy. Nobody can just give a fiat when the law does not permit that. So, let’s give the President the benefit of the doubt,” he said.

Rev Amuzu also disclosed that President Mahama had previously assured religious leaders that he would assent to the bill once it reached his desk.

“After all, in one of our encounters with him, he indicated that when the bill is brought to him, he will assent to it. What it means is that, from the narrative, the impression we are getting at the Christian Council is that because it’s not a state-sponsored bill, they will scrutinise it to be sure that the bill is fit for purpose,” he explained.

He further welcomed recent discussions about the bill, including suggestions that Parliament revisit aspects of the legislation, arguing that public participation and scrutiny are important elements of democratic governance.

“I think it’s healthy for democracy. We are not in an authoritarian regime. So, once we embrace democracy, we have to embrace other tenets of democracy. I think it’s good for democracy that we all act as citizens of our dear country and take a keen interest in whatever goes on within the government’s space. But to extend that, Parliament, even though its members are masters of their own rules, once there are checks and balances, and once citizens are actively involved, whatever goes on in Parliament can be checked. So, we have a vibrant position.”

NA/BAI

Mahama rejects third term push at closed door meeting with NDC elders:

TWI NEWS