The Christian Council has declared its support for President John Mahama’s plan to conduct extensive legal and constitutional reviews of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. This bill is widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill. The Council believes this diligence is essential before the President assents to the legislation.
President Mahama recently stated during a visit to the United Kingdom that the bill needs additional scrutiny. This review aims to confirm the bill meets all constitutional standards. Rev. Jehodia Godwin Amuzu, the Christian Council's Coordinator for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, told Citi News that the President’s actions are within his constitutional duties. He urged against viewing this review as opposition to the bill itself.
Rev. Amuzu explained that the President must have legal advisors examine the bill. This step ensures compliance with all constitutional requirements. Failing to do so could lead to the bill being challenged and potentially struck out in court. The Council asked for public patience during this democratic process. "Nobody can just give a fiat when the law does not permit that," he said. He encouraged Ghanaians to give the President the benefit of the doubt.
The Christian Council noted that President Mahama had previously assured religious leaders he would sign the bill. The current review seems focused on legal soundness. This is especially important because the bill started as a private member’s initiative. It was not initially a government-sponsored bill. Rev. Amuzu stated, "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."
The Council also welcomed Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s calls to re-examine certain aspects of the bill’s passage. They see this as a positive sign of democratic governance and accountability in action. Rev. Amuzu highlighted that while Parliament follows its own rules, citizens and state bodies play an important role. They ensure transparency and adherence to democratic principles. He added, "I think it’s healthy for democracy. We are not in an authoritarian regime."
The legislative process for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill began in Parliament in 2023. It is a private member's bill. This means it was introduced by individual Members of Parliament, not by the government. The bill has faced international scrutiny and domestic debate. Its potential impact on human rights and Ghana's international relations has been a key point of discussion.
The President’s role in assenting to bills is a critical constitutional checkpoint. It ensures legislation aligns with Ghana's supreme law. Ghana's Constitution, under Article 111, outlines the President's powers and responsibilities regarding bills passed by Parliament. This includes the power to assent, withhold assent, or propose amendments.
The Christian Council’s statement underscores the importance of due process. It highlights the separation of powers between the legislature and the executive. This process ensures that laws are not only reflective of public sentiment but also legally robust. The economic implications of such legislation can be far-reaching, affecting investment, trade, and international partnerships. Ensuring legal clarity is therefore paramount for stability.
The Council’s endorsement of the legal review suggests a commitment to institutional integrity. It emphasizes that democratic governance involves rigorous checks and balances. The public will be watching closely as the legal review progresses. The outcome could influence Ghana's legal framework and its engagement with the global community. The Christian Council represents a significant segment of Ghanaian society. Their support for a thorough review lends weight to the President's cautious approach.