An Activist, Kingsley Ofei Nkansah says the LGBTQI+ Bill which has been presented to parliament will not help the country’s democracy if passed.
Eight members of Ghana’s Parliament jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.
The LGBTQI+ Bill, which they term as a ‘Bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values’, was presented to Speaker, Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
Proponents of the bill want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalized in the country.
The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George, who led the MPs to make the presentation, said it “is a landmark legislation that has taken the last 14 weeks working with a fantastic team of professionals to put together. It is in my humble opinion a world-class piece of legislation which should be reference material for other Parliaments seeking to pass similar legislation.”
The LGBTQI+ Bill, presented to the Speaker, is the first major step taken towards the criminalization.
“The Bill respects the fundamental human rights of all persons, including those found engaging in the prohibited acts, but spells out a rigid punitive measure in line with our social, cultural and religious stance as a nation. Let me be clear here, homosexuality is not a human right. It is a lifestyle choice. A sexual preference,” Sam George stated.
However, Fifteen renowned legal, academic and civil society professionals have filed a memorandum challenging the anti-gay legislation submitted to Parliament.
Speaking to Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Mr Kingsley Ofei Nkansah said,”The LGBTQI+ Bill which has been presented to parliament will not help us, it will not help our democracy, our freedom and measures in our constitution which we have to obey for peace to prevail.”
He explained that the clauses in the Bill are not correct and are inconsistent.
He noted that in the Proposed Bill, people do not have the right to meet as a ‘Minority’ to socialise.
The Activist said the Bill suggests that such LGBTQI+ persons are not human beings and so if someone physically abuses them, the person may go scot-free.
Mr Kingsley Ofei Nkansah also said according to the Bill, when arrested and sent to court, perpetrators will be convicted.
Meanwhile, the Activist said everyone has the right to their privacy, adding that looking at modernization and democracy in Ghana, it will be irresponsible on their part if they do not challenge the Bill.
He said the Bill is unacceptable and a violation of the Constitution, urging Parliament not to consider it.