Faith Nyasuguta
The Osu Traditional Council in Ghana has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to urgently sign the controversial anti-LGBTQI bill, known as “The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.” This bill has been a focal point of intense debate and controversy in the West African nation.
Traditional leaders have expressed concerns about divine retribution if the bill is not enacted, citing delays in transmitting it to the President for his assent. During a courtesy call, Nuumo Gbelenfo III, the Acting President of the Osu Traditional Council, emphasized the need for swift action to prevent God’s wrath.
“If it were the norm that marriage was set between people of the same sex, we would have seen our president marry a man. But that is not the case. So, I am appealing to the president to ensure that the right thing is done by signing the bill into law so that Ghana does not incur the wrath of God,” Nuumo Gbelenfo III stated.
“It is a filthy practice, so we are urging the president and the Chief Justice to do what is needed to avert the anger of God.”
Supporters of the bill have announced plans to stage a protest on August 21, 2024, to expedite its passage and ensure its enforcement. The bill has also garnered support from members of both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), reflecting a broad political consensus on the issue.
Ghana’s anti-LGBTQI bill, officially titled “The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021,” is a 36-page document that has been in development since 2021 when it was introduced in parliament as a private member’s bill.
The bill aims to ensure proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values while proscribing LGBTQ+ and related activities, including propaganda, advocacy, and promotion of LGBTQ+ activities. It also provides for the protection and support of children and persons who are victims or accused of LGBTQ+ activities.
Key provisions of the anti-LGBTQI bill include:
- Criminalization of Same-Sex Intercourse: Individuals engaging in same-sex sexual activities face fines ranging from 50 to 5,000 penalty units or imprisonment for 3 to 5 years, or both.
- Prohibition of LGBTQI+ Advocacy: Using any medium to promote LGBTQI+ activities can result in imprisonment for 5 to 10 years.
- Disbandment of LGBTQI+ Organizations: All LGBTQI+ groups, associations, clubs, and organizations are to be disbanded, with violators facing 6 to 10 years in prison.
- Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: Same-sex marriages and marriages involving individuals who have undergone sex reassignment are prohibited.
- Proscription of Bestiality: Sexual relations with animals are explicitly banned.
- Protection of Family Values: The bill aims to promote and protect what it defines as proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.
These provisions have sparked significant debate and controversy, both within Ghana and internationally, due to their implications for human rights and freedoms. If the President signs the bill, Ghana will join 36 other African countries where homosexuality is illegal. In some countries like Nigeria and Mauritania, homosexuality is punishable by death.
The push for the bill’s enactment has been met with strong reactions from human rights groups and international organizations, which argue that it infringes on the rights and freedoms of individuals. Critics contend that the bill promotes discrimination and violence against the LGBTQI+ community, exacerbating existing societal tensions.
Supporters of the bill, however, argue that it is necessary to preserve Ghanaian cultural and moral values. They believe that the legislation will protect the traditional family structure and prevent the perceived erosion of societal norms.
As the debate continues, the pressure on President Akufo-Addo to make a decision on the bill grows. The outcome will significantly impact Ghana’s legal and social landscape, potentially setting a precedent for other countries in the region.
The traditional leaders’ call for immediate action emphasize the urgency and high stakes surrounding the bill. With planned protests and mounting public discourse, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of LGBTQI+ rights in Ghana.
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