I am against same-sex relationships but I don’t make homosexuals feel less human – Okoe Boye
Health Minister designate, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, has reiterated his stance against same-sex relationships while affirming his commitment to treating LGBTQ+ individuals with respect and dignity.
During his vetting process by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, Dr. Okoe-Boye, a follower of Christ, stated that he would not advocate for same-sex marriage.
However, he emphasized the importance of not alienating or dehumanizing LGBTQ+ individuals, highlighting his professional duty as a doctor to provide care without discrimination.
Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye said: “I am a follower of Christ, I am not someone who will be an advocate for same sex marriage. However, as a doctor, my work tells me not to push such people away or make them feel less human. So I am a professional but I still stand by my faith.”
This comes amid the recent approval of a bill by Parliament criminalizing LGBTQ activities and prohibiting their promotion, advocacy, and funding. The legislation stipulates prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 5 years for individuals involved in such activities.
The bill’s approval has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
In response to the bill, Mr. Sky has filed an application with the Supreme Court, seeking a declaration that the legislation is null and void. Mr. Sky argues that the bill infringes on several fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and his legal action aims to uphold these rights.
President Akufo-Addo has clarified that the government will not enforce any provisions of the bill until the Supreme Court reaches a verdict on the matter.
In a circular shared by Director of communications at the office of the President, Eugene Arhin, the President said, “l am aware that last week’s bi-partisan passage by Parliament of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, on a Private Member’s motion, has raised considerable anxieties in certain quarters of the diplomatic community and amongst some friends of Ghana that she may be turning her back on her, hitherto, enviable, longstanding record on human rights observance and attachment to the rule of law. I want to assure you that no such back-sliding will be contemplated or occasioned.”
President Akufo-Addo clarified that the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill has not yet been presented to him for formal action.
tigpost.co
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