The Minister-designate for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has highlighted the possible advantages and disadvantages of the anti-lgbtqi bill.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, March 5, he said when asked for his view on the bill and its effect on the country that “Yes, it’s likely that it may impact Ghana’s attractiveness to some segments of people who feel strongly about the law and its passage.
“It may also inure to our benefits as well for people who feel strongly that the passage of the law is right. So, it cuts both ways, there will be some wins and losses. And that will be my position on the passage of the law.”
When asked about the advice he would give to the president if consulted, he responded, “I will tell the president to weigh both sides. Obviously, the president is operating within certain social construct of the constitution, and I will expect him to follow the constitution and arrive at a decision the law enjoins him to arrive.”
On February 28, Parliament passed the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, otherwise known as anti-gay Bill.
President Akufo-Akufo-Addo later urged all stakeholders to await the outcome of the case that has been filed in the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen with regard to the bill before any further action is taken.
The President said with this new development, it would be proper to wait for the ruling of the Supreme Court.
“… I have learnt that, today, a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court by a concerned citizen to the constitutionality of the proposed legislation. In the circumstances, it would be, as well, for all of us to hold our hands, and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken,” the President wrote in a statement posted on Facebook by Director of Communication at the presidency, Eugene Arhin on March 4.
