Parliament: LGBTQ+ activists face 3 to 5 years jail term

0
467
Parliament
Advertisement

Parliament has approved a custodial sentence of a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 5 years for the willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.

Persons caught in the act would also be subjected to a minimum sentence of 6 months and a maximum sentence of 3 years.

One of the key proponents of the bill and Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, provided an explanation during parliamentary proceedings regarding the clause-by-clause revision of the bill on the promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.

“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.”

Read more on LGBTQ:
With a unanimous vote on July 5, 2023, Parliament approved a second reading of the Bill and accepted some minor revisions suggested by the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.

Former President Mahama on LGBTQ 

Meanwhile, former President Mahama and leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said by faith he is against LGBTQ.

The Former President clearly stated his stance on the controversial subject while addressing a gathering of clergymen in the Eastern Region.

“I believe in my faith, and my faith is against LGBTQ; I am an Assemblies of God member,” he said, adding, “This is because the faith I have does not support gay marriages.”

The former president therefore called on the government to work with parliament to ensure that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which is currently before parliament, is passed.