Muslim Coalition Raises Concerns Over Changes To Anti-LGBTQ Bill

The Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG) has called for a reconsideration of the recently passed Anti-LGBTQI Bill, expressing concerns that key provisions from the original legislation were removed without broad stakeholder consultation.

In a statement issued on June 4, COMOG said it had followed developments surrounding the passage of the bill with “deep concern,” particularly reports that the latest version was approved without the extensive consultations that shaped the earlier draft. 

COMOG, a member of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, said the original bill was developed through consultations involving religious bodies, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, experts, and other stakeholders.

The coalition argued that changes to the legislation should have involved similar engagement. 

The coalition commended Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, for raising concerns about the process that led to the passage of the current version of the bill.

According to COMOG, the Muslim community had previously recognised the speaker's support for what it described as Ghana’s moral, religious, cultural, and family values by conferring on him the “Saifullah” Award. 

A major concern raised by COMOG is the reported removal of provisions intended to hold accountable individuals, organisations and institutions that fund, promote, sponsor, facilitate, or advocate LGBTQI-related activities.

The coalition said the absence of such provisions raises questions about the effectiveness of the legislation.  

The coalition also criticised both major political parties in Parliament, arguing that while the previous parliamentary majority failed to secure presidential assent for the original bill, the current majority had overseen a process that weakened safeguards intended to protect what it described as Ghana’s religious values, cultural heritage, family structure, and moral foundations. 

COMOG is urging members of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, faith-based organisations, traditional authorities, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to support calls for the reconsideration of the earlier version of the bill and its key provisions. 

The coalition maintained that the original bill better reflected the views and values of many Ghanaians and provided a stronger legal framework for protecting family values, religion, and morality.

It further stressed the need for laws affecting such issues to be developed through broad consultation, transparency, and consensus-building. 

COMOG said it remains committed to working with stakeholders to promote policies and legislation aimed at protecting families, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening national cohesion.