O-blog-dee-o-blog-da

BY MELANIE NATHAN, JAN 02, 2025

On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court of Ghana, in a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel, dismissed petitions challenging the constitutionality and procedural validity of the  “Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024′ (commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill). Since February 2024, the Court avoided ruling for those many months, always finding excuses to delay with the promise finally of a ruling set for today which it then dismissed. This essentially provided cover to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who was able to avoid attesting to the controversial new law, unpopular abroad, and popular in Ghana with over 80% of the populace.  Now as of next week, a new President will assume office, John Mahama, who promised in his campaign to sign the law which passed unanimously in Parliament last year.

While the religious leaders in the country are urging an immediate signing of the law that will send people to jail for simply identifying as LGBTTQAAP, as well as making fugitives of anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ under the clause that amends the Extradition Act, there is a bustle among the intellectuals and creatives to KILL THE BILL.

( SIGN THE BILL – GAYS BLAMED FOR ELECTION LOSS; https://www.africanhrc.org/single-post/christian-leader-blames-lgbtqi-for-loss-of-presidency-to-incumbent-party-in-ghana-election)

The #KillTheBill campaign song by Angel Maxine, featuring Sister Deborah and Wanlov the Kubolor, is a powerful cultural protest against the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” in Ghana, which has been described as an anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The song’s release has garnered attention for its strong message, calling on Ghana’s leadership—including outgoing President Akufo-Addo, incoming President John Mahama, and the expiring parliament—to reject the proposed bill.

The accompanying music video brings the campaign’s message to life with striking and visually compelling scenes, showcasing the potential harmful impacts of the bill. It portrays the experiences of queer individuals and their allies, including a particularly emotional moment with Angel Maxine’s mother, who plays a symbolic role in the narrative.

The bill, if passed, could severely criminalize LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights in Ghana, imposing penalties and stoking fear and discrimination. The #KillTheBill campaign seeks to rally both LGBTQI+ communities and allies to speak out against the legislation and protect human rights and dignity for all Ghanaians, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Below is the Video that calls “Kill the Bill:”
Ironically under the new law, once fully enacted will criminalize anyone participating or watching this video.  This is an example of how fighting for rights will be silenced by the new law, if fully enacted.

LINK to video HERE:  https://www.africanhrc.org/single-post/ghanaians-fight-back-with-the-kill-the-bill-video-angel-maxine

Angel Maxine – KILL THE BILL feat. Wanlov the Kubolor & Sister Deborah (Official Lyrics Video)

Here is the You Tube Audio version link:

MORE:

Ghana’s new Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Law has Terrifying Extradition Clause By Melanie Nathan. Dec 17, 2024 HERE

Ghana’s LGBT Community as Political Pawns in Presidential Election heightening DangersBy Melanie Nathan, December 02, 2023 HERE

By Melanie Nathan,
Commissionermnathan@gmail.com