Renowned reggae artist Julius Amua-Sekyi popularly known as Shasha Marley has taken a bold stand against those opposing the LGBT+ community, questioning their moral high ground and emphasizing the equality of sins.
In a recent interview on GTV’s breakfast show with Kafui Dey, the “maata tuee” hitmaker criticized the support for the Ghanaian LGBT bill, urging individuals to consider their righteousness.
Marley asserted, “It is very unfortunate that some people demand the persecution of LGBT+ individuals, branding them as evil and deserving of imprisonment. My question to these individuals is simple: How righteous are you? Are you a saint? Because there is no sin bigger than the other.”
Drawing from his own experience, Marley shared a touching encounter with a young gay man on a bus who expressed a desire to break free from his predicament but feared the stigma associated with it.
“I met a young guy on a bus who is gay on my way to Takoradi one day, and I didn’t know until he told me. I asked what’s going on, and to my surprise, he actually wants to come out of it, but he is afraid of the stigma alone, and that might even cause him to commit suicide.
“Clearly, this guy wants to come out of it, same as others, which clearly tells you that if you show them love and affection, they might change their minds instead of judging them.”
The artist emphasised the power of love and understanding in fostering positive change, rather than judgement.
The conversation comes amid the approval of the Ghanaian anti-LGBT bill, also known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, by the Parliament of Ghana on February 28, 2024.
If President Nana Akufo-Addo signs the bill into law, it will have significant implications for the rights of the LGBT+ community in the country.
Shasha Marley’s compelling stance adds a notable voice to the ongoing debate surrounding the controversial legislation.
