One person waiting after 275 MPs approve the criminalization of LGBT+Bill? – Rev. Dr. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah quizzes

The senior pastor of Holy Hill Chapel, Assemblies of God, Rev. Dr. Kwadwo Boateng Bempah, has expressed concern about President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s slow approval of the anti-LGBT+ bill, even though the country’s Parliament passed it.

The Man of God expressed his confusion during a sermon, asking why the bill—which makes activities associated with the LGBT+ community illegal—has not yet been ratified by the president even though all 275 members of Parliament have approved it unanimously.

He emphasized that the unanimous vote from MPs signifies the collective stance of all Ghanaians on the matter.

“How many parliamentarians are there in Parliament? 275. Why are they there I am asking you, man of God? Are they not representing us?” queried Rev. Dr. Boateng Bempah.

“How come one person is waiting? Because what they are saying represents all of us…When they were voting no MP lifted his hands. Don’t sit down and tell me, pastor you can’t talk politics, this is not politics, this is our life, LGBT+ is not politics but rather it is human life,” he added.

The Parliament enacted an anti-LGBT+ Bill that outlaws LGBT activities and makes funding, campaigning, and promotion of the group illegal.

Promoters and sponsors face terms ranging from three to five years in prison, while those found guilty of these acts might face sentences as long as six months to three years in prison.

Citing a constitutional challenge in the Supreme Court, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has postponed his decision on whether or not to sign the Bill into law.

In the event that the president decides against it, however, members of parliament have the power to veto the president’s decision and impose the Bill’s provisions by a two-thirds majority.