President Mahama Reaffirms Government’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Issues in Meeting With Christian Council
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s firm opposition to LGBTQ+ practices, stressing that the government’s position on marriage, gender, and family remains unchanged. He made the remarks when he met with the Christian Council of Ghana at the Flagstaff House yesterday, assuring church leaders of his unwavering alignment with their values.
President Mahama stated clearly that marriage in Ghana, under his government, is recognized solely as a union between a man and a woman, adding that a person’s gender is determined at birth and must be respected as such.
“If you want the position of my government, marriage is between a man and a woman. A person’s gender is determined at birth, and the family is the foundation of our nation. That is our position, and there are no questions or equivocation about what we believe,” he said.
He further emphasized that the government remains “completely aligned with the Christian Council in terms of your beliefs.”
Touching on the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, the President made it clear that he would not hesitate to endorse it if the legislative process is completed.
“If the Parliament of the people endorse the bill, vote on it, and pass it, and it comes to me as President of the Republic, I will sign it,” he assured.
Background: What the Previous Parliament Decided
The previous Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, with strong bipartisan support during its final sitting earlier this year. The bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, and advocacy groups supporting such activities. It also outlines penalties for individuals and organizations found violating its provisions.
However, the bill stalled after legal challenges were filed at the Supreme Court, questioning its constitutionality and the process leading to its passage. As a result, it did not reach the President’s desk before the dissolution of the previous Parliament.
The reaffirmation by President Mahama signals his readiness to assent to the legislation should the current Parliament revive, approve, and forward it to the Presidency.
The meeting with the Christian Council forms part of ongoing engagements between government and religious bodies as discussions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues continue to dominate national discourse.
