The much-talked about draft legislation by Ghana\u2019s parliament to criminalize LGBTQI+ practice and advocacy in the country comes under the name \u2018The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The private members\u2019 bill is being championed by eight members of parliament, namely;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 36-page document is to ensure proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values; proscribe LGBTQ+ and related activities; proscribe propaganda of, advocacy for or promotion of LGBTTQQIAAP+ and related activities; provide for the protection of and support for children, persons who are victims or accused of LGBTTQQIAAP+ and related activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It comes at a time when there is raging debate on the subject of LGBQI+ activities in the country, and the tolerance of the country\u2019s laws to persons in the queer community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idea for \u2018The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021\u2019, was mooted when it became clear that the often-quoted existing laws used to argue against LGBTQI+ activities in the country including Section 104 of the Criminal Code \u201cUnnatural Carnal Knowledge; (c) of any animal is guilty of a misdemeanour; (2) Unnatural carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner or with an animal,\u201d does not necessarily ban persons in the LGBTQI+ community from carrying out their campaign activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The proponents of the bill in their memorandum stated that many national leaders including President Nana Akufo-Addo and ex-presidents such as John Agyekum Kufuor and Prof. Evans Atta-Mills have denounced LGBTQI+ activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe believe the time is ripe for Parliament to actualize the intentions of the framers of our Constitution by providing a legal framework for the promotion of the values that define our nationhood,\u201d the promoters of the bill indicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below are some 10 key things the bill is proposing:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some persons have called for a specific law in Ghana to make homosexuality a criminal offence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there are some provisions in the Criminal Code under which a homosexual can be prosecuted, especially for having intercourse with a partner, the belief is that a specific law must be enacted to declare homosexual relationships illegal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Others have also called for a review of Ghana\u2019s laws to be more accommodating of minority groups, as many countries are decriminalizing homosexuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In February 2020 for instance, the then Speaker of Ghana\u2019s Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, warned the World Bank against homosexuality conditions<\/a> <\/strong>in development assistance to Ghana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The current Speaker of Parliament has also spoken about his commitment towards the passage of a new law to deal with homosexuality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to read the full bill<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Source:citinewsroom.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n Send your news stories to\u00a0dannyboy744@gmail.com<\/a>\u00a0and via WhatsApp on +233 266777777<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLGBTQI rights in Ghana<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n