The Helsinki Diaspora Forum presents a timely and insightful lecture titled "Facing Forward, Upholding Rights, Fostering Progress: Ghana’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Law in Perspective." This lecture aims to shed light on the multifaceted discourse surrounding Ghana's recent passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ law, titled the "Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, 2024." The lecture comes at a time of heightened debate and controversy surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Africa, with Ghana Parliament being one of the latest to enact legislation on the matter.
This legislation has sparked intense debate within Ghanaian society and beyond. As stakeholders grapple with the implications of the law, including its potential impact on human rights and societal progress, various perspectives have emerged, ranging from staunch support to vehement opposition. This lecture provides an essential platform for dialogue and critical analysis of the complex issues at hand.
The lecture will delve into differing viewpoints, exploring the legal, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of the issue considering both domestic and international factors influencing the discourse. Notably, the President of Ghana has yet to assent to the bill, and the ongoing legal challenge to the bill in Ghana's Supreme Court adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, highlighting the tensions between legislative action and judicial review.
By fostering dialogue and understanding, the Helsinki Diaspora Forum seeks to contribute to a nuanced and informed conversation on the complex intersection of rights, values, and progress in Ghanaian society.
