Foh-Amoaning rejects human rights basis for LGBTQ+ advocacy
Lawyer and social policy advocate Moses Foh-Amoaning has called on African legislators to critically examine arguments surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, insisting that such rights are not expressly recognised within international legal instruments.
Addressing participants at the Fourth Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, Mr Foh-Amoaning argued that many governments and lawmakers are being pressured into accepting positions that, in his view, lack a clear foundation in established international law.
He maintained that references to human rights and constitutional protections are frequently used to advance LGBTQ+ advocacy, but contended that these interpretations do not reflect the original intent of major international legal agreements.
According to him, African countries should not feel compelled to alter their social and cultural policies out of fear of violating international obligations.
Mr Foh-Amoaning told delegates that policymakers must independently assess legal arguments presented in support of LGBTQ+ issues rather than accepting them at face value. He stressed that debates surrounding family values, morality and social norms should be determined by sovereign nations through their own legal and democratic processes.
The National Coalition for Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill Executive Secretary further alleged that LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have relied on legal interpretations and policy influence rather than explicit provisions contained in international conventions and treaties.
He argued that lawmakers across the continent should remain vigilant against what he described as attempts to redefine internationally accepted legal standards through external pressure.
His remarks formed part of broader discussions at the conference, which brought together parliamentarians, policymakers and advocacy groups from several countries to deliberate on issues relating to governance, cultural identity, family systems and national sovereignty.
The event served as a platform for participants to exchange views on social policy matters and examine the role of legislation in shaping societal values across Africa.
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