Parliament has finally approved a bill that enforces custodial sentences for the promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.
Under the new legislation, individuals engaged in the act of promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities will face a minimum sentence of three years, with a maximum penalty of five years.
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Furthermore, those caught in the act itself will be subjected to a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.
Samuel Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, played a key role in pushing for this bill.
He explained during parliamentary proceedings that the primary concern lies with the advocacy of these activities, rather than the private actions of individuals.
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He emphasized that Ghanaians are not interested in what people do in their bedrooms, but rather the promotion and support of these activities is what the public opposes.
“What created the confusion was the establishment of an advocacy of the promotion of the activities, that is what Ghanaians are against. Nobody is interested in what you do in your bedroom. And so the punishment for one caught in the act yesterday February 7, is to be a minimum of 6 months, maximum of 3 years”
“However, for anyone acting in a willful promotion, sponsorship or support of the agenda, the punitive measure for that is minimum 3 years, maximum 5 years.”
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Meanwhile, former President Mahama, the leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed his opposition to LGBTQ+ activities based on his faith.
Speaking to clergymen in the Eastern Region, he declared, “I believe in my faith, and my faith is against LGBTQ; I am an Assemblies of God member. This is because the faith I have does not support gay marriages.”
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Former President Mahama has called on the government to collaborate with parliament to ensure the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
This bill aims to align Ghana’s laws and values with regard to the LGBTQ+ issues.
The approval of the custodial sentences for the promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities has sparked intense debates.
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Advocates argue that it will uphold traditional cultural values and preserve Ghanaian family values.
However, critics argue that it infringes on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals and undermines Ghana’s commitment to human rights.