Reverend John Nitim Fordjule, Member of Parliament for Assin South and Rating Member of Parliament’s Protection and Dwelling Affairs Committee, has dismissed claims that Ghana’s Human Rights and Household Values ​​Act criminalizes counseling, medical care and pastoral assist for individuals who determine as LGBTQ+.
Ashin South stated the general public debate surrounding the invoice typically blurred the excellence between skilled companies and advocacy.
Talking on Pleasure FM’s Tremendous Morning Present, he insisted the invoice was aimed toward discouraging the promotion and encouragement of LGBTQ+ practices, relatively than criminalizing care and assist.
“If somebody involves church and will get counseling, how does that promote LGBT? How does a health care provider treating a affected person promote LGBT?” he requested.
He stated the invoice’s provisions particularly deal with people and organizations that actively marketing campaign for or encourage LGBTQ+ practices.
Reverend Ford-Jules argued that the invoice was by no means supposed to focus on well being care employees, counselors, attorneys and spiritual leaders who’re fulfilling their skilled obligations.
He additionally argued that the invoice’s critics have exaggerated issues of widespread prosecution of pros.
His feedback got here amid renewed nationwide debate over the amendments launched earlier than Parliament handed the invoice on Might 29, 2026.
