Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Andreas Kamasah
Published on 2024-02-27 20:07:35
Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, the Vice-Chair and governing board member of CDD, represented the “Big 18” and Human Rights Coalition in addressing journalists. She emphasized the crucial need to uphold fundamental human rights as outlined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Professor Gadzekpo expressed concerns that the proposed bill, if passed, would infringe upon various constitutional rights, including dignity, freedom of speech, association, procession, academic freedom, equality, and nondiscrimination.
The CDD highlighted the potential violation of individual rights posed by the Anti-LGBTQI Bill, stressing that this legislation would undermine the core principles of democracy and establish a dangerous precedent for future governance. They emphasized that human rights are not subject to majority approval and emphasized the importance of safeguarding minority rights to prevent the tyranny of the majority.
Furthermore, the CDD underscored Ghana’s secular and multi-religious nature, warning against imposing a single cultural value system that would erode the country’s diversity. They cautioned against the state-sanctioned imposition of religious views on the population and highlighted the principle of separation of Church and State as essential in maintaining a diverse and inclusive society.
The organization also raised concerns about the proposed bill’s impact on media freedom, noting that it would restrict journalists and social media users from reporting on LGBTQI+ issues, infringing upon freedom of expression. Additionally, the bill was criticized for violating Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits private members’ bills that impose a charge on the public purse.
The “Big 18” and Human Rights Coalition called on Parliament to reject the Anti-LGBTQI Bill, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rights of all citizens and highlighting the potential contravention of domestic and international human rights standards. They warned that passing the bill would not only undermine human rights but also diminish the media’s role in society.
The press conference occurred amidst ongoing debates in Parliament about the controversial bill, with a vote anticipated in the near future. This conference followed a workshop organized by CDD to educate journalists on fair and balanced reporting concerning minority groups and to advocate for their human rights.
In conclusion, the CDD’s stance on the Anti-LGBTQI Bill reflects a commitment to protecting human rights, upholding democracy, and promoting diversity in Ghanaian society. Their strong advocacy for minority rights and media freedom demonstrates a dedication to ensuring an inclusive and just community for all citizens.
Read Original article on Pulse News
