The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has defended Parliament’s approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, saying Ghana is not “going backwards” but rather protecting its culture and traditions.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, May 29, he rejected suggestions that the legislation, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, places Ghana out of step with global developments.
He argued that countries are not bound to adopt practices simply because they are accepted elsewhere, stressing that Ghana is acting in line with its own cultural and social values.
“I do not know what they may mean by going backwards. We have our traditions, we have our cultures, it has never been accepted and we just want Parliament to say that we do not accept these practices as part of our culture, part of our family life,” he said.
Most Rev. Gyamfi noted that not all countries have legalised same-sex relationships, adding that Ghana has joined others that have chosen not to adopt such laws.
“There may be others who say yes. Where they got it from is up to them, but we do not want to take a culture and cultural practices that are alien, that do not help the Ghanaian society and community,” he stated.
He further maintained that Ghana is entitled to make laws that reflect what its citizens believe is right, regardless of international trends.
“So we are doing what we think Ghanaians believe is good for Ghana and is in line with our culture and our practices. Others may do whatever they want to do,” he said.
The Bishops’ President also pointed to examples of policy differences among countries, including the legalisation of marijuana in some jurisdictions, which was previously prohibited.
“Just a few years ago, it was illegal. Then they said they want to legalise this and they did it. So if they have legalised same-sex relationships and marriage, it’s good for them, but we are not compelled to do it because they do it,” he said.
He insisted that Ghana is under no obligation to follow the same path as countries that have legalised LGBTQ+ activities, adding: “If it is good for them, let them do it. We are saying it is not good for us.”
Parliament on Friday passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 after revising earlier provisions. The amended law criminalises LGBTQ+ activities but introduces exemptions for lawyers, journalists, and health professionals offering services such as counselling or medical care.
The Minority Caucus opposed parts of the amendments, arguing they raised concerns about the consistency of the bill and its earlier version submitted for assent.
The legislation, one of the most controversial in Ghana’s recent history, was first introduced in 2021 and has since generated strong support from religious and traditional leaders, while drawing criticism from human rights organisations and sections of the international community.
Credit to Channel1news.com
