Anti-LGBTQ” Bill Undemocratic – CDS Africa

The Africa Center for Democracy and Socio-economic Development (CDS Africa), an independent think tank, is opposing the just passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill by Ghana’s parliament. The bill criminalizes LGBTQ activities, their promotion, advocacy, and funding.

In a statement issued on Monday, CDS Africa criticized the Human Rights and Family Values Bill 2021, labeling it as unnecessary, excessive, and undemocratic. They warned that the passage of this bill puts Ghana at risk of facing severe international consequences that could negatively impact the economic well-being of its citizens.

Although CDS Africa expressed their lack of support for same-sex activities, they argued that the Criminal Code 1960 (Act 29) already includes provisions under its Sexual Offences section to address the practices targeted by the Human Rights and Family Values Bill. Therefore, they believe the new bill is redundant, overreaching, and exclusionary.

CDS Africa also highlighted that the bill violates guaranteed rights under Article 12(2) and would severely restrict freedoms of speech and expression protected under Article 21(1) of the 1992 Constitution. CDS is urging pro-democracy forces to support the cause to urge President Akufo-Addo not to sign the bill, but rather send it back to Parliament for amendments that would protect the rights of all individuals.

CDS Africa emphasises that the existing provisions in Act 29 have effectively regulated same-sex activities in Ghana since 1960, making the Human Rights and Family Values Bill unnecessary.

Find below the statement