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Christian Professionals in Africa Laud Ghana Lawmakers for Passing Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

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The Africa Christian Professionals Forum (ACPF) has lauded lawmakers in Ghana for voting for the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.

Known as the Anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+) Bill, the bill that was passed on February 28 and is awaiting President Nana Akufo-Addo’s assent to become law criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities.

The Bill also illegalizes the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities” and imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for those found guilty of identifying as LGBTQ and a jail term of up to five years for anyone convicted of forming, advocating for, or funding LGBTQ groups.

“ACPF applauds the Members of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana for their unanimous passage of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill,” the Christian Professionals say in a Monday, March 4 statement. 

They say the Ghanaian lawmakers' decision to pass the Bill, aligns with the principles enshrined in Article 18 of the African Union Charter that emphasize the importance of defending “the dignity of the family and preserving African cultural values.”

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“The African Union Charter underscores the importance of respecting cultural diversity, fostering social cohesion, and protecting the family as the basic unit of society. By the recent legislative action, Ghana has reaffirmed its dedication to the principles embedded in the charter,” say the Christian Professionals in Africa.

They add that they recognize Ghana's commitment to upholding the principles outlined in the African Union Charter, which also underscores the significance of promoting and defending the dignity of the family as a fundamental unit of society.

The Christian Professionals call on lawmakers, and religious and political leaders across Africa to follow “the commendable example set by Ghana.” 

“We urge them to continue defending the dignity of the family and promoting African cultural values, while remaining mindful of the principles outlined in the African Union Charter,” they say.

“We are in solidarity with those who prioritize the preservation of African cultural heritage and the values that have shaped our societies for centuries. We extend our support and guidance to leaders committed to upholding the dignity of the family,” ACPF members say.

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Members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC) expressed support for the Bill in December last year. 

In a statement, the Catholic Bishops said the Bill “is in the right direction, as it seeks to enact laws against criminal homosexual acts.”

“It is our hope that, when passed into law, it will indeed promote proper human sexual rights and authentic Ghanaian family values which are under threat from homosexual acts,” GCBC members said.

ACI Africa was founded in 2019. We provide free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Catholic Church in Africa, giving particular emphasis to the words of the Holy Father and happenings of the Holy See, to any person with access to the internet. ACI Africa is proud to offer free access to its news items to Catholic dioceses, parishes, and websites, in order to increase awareness of the activities of the universal Church and to foster a sense of Catholic thought and culture in the life of every Catholic.