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Tag: anti-LGBTQ Bill

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: Contempt suit against Speaker Bagbin withdrawn

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: Contempt suit against Speaker Bagbin withdrawn

    Researcher from the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Amanda Odoi, has chosen to withdraw her contempt application against Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, at the Supreme Court.

    The application was filed in connection to the ongoing discussions surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    This decision to withdraw the suit comes after the Supreme Court rejected her request to halt Parliament from proceeding with the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    Dr. Odoi had accused Speaker Bagbin of disregarding the pending legal actions and allowing the consideration of the proposed legislation to continue, which she believed was in violation of the 1992 Constitution.

    She argued, “the respondent has continually violated and shown utter disregard for the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the court process. That the respondent’s clear, intentional, and continuous disregard of the court process necessitates the Respondent being sanctioned for contempt in the public interest and to protect the dignity of the Court.”

    “He should have proved this balance of convenience well but we have not seen any evidence of that. The speaker is doing his duty and cannot be injuncted,” she said.

    Ghana’s Parliament

    But Chief State Attorney Dr Sylvia Aduse told the court Dr Odoi’s legal team have failed to show how they will suffer or which right of theirs should be protected in the interim.

    “He should have proved this balance of convenience well but we have not seen any evidence of that. The speaker is doing his duty and cannot be injuncted.” She said.

    Lawyer for the Speaker, Thaddeus Sory urged the court to dismiss the request.

    “We pray that this application doesn’t satisfy any of the tests as set by this court and should be dismissed.”

    The panel presided over by the Chief Justice Indicated a case meriting an injunction has not been made.

    “We have considered the merits of this case and are of the considered view that a prima facie case has not been made to convince us to injunct the work of parliament.

    “Neither have we been convinced to injunct an uncompleted work of parliament. The issues raised by this application for injunction are matters to be determined by the substantive matter. This application for an injunction is dismissed,” the Chief Justice stated.

    Other panel members are Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Gabriel Pwamang, Mariama Owusu, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Yonny Kulendi, Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Samuel Asiedu, George Koomson”.

    The Anti-LGBTQ Bill, which has been under discussion and scrutiny since its introduction in 2021, received unanimous consent from all 275 Members of Parliament on July 5th.

    Despite facing legal challenges, including a recent lawsuit announced on July 4, 2023, the bill has progressed to the consideration stage following the approval of its laying and subsequent debate by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

    Speaker Bagbin emphasized that there is no opposition from any legislator regarding the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021.

    “With the submissions just made by the Honorable Andy Appiah Kubi that all the 275 are in support of the bill, anybody who disagrees be on your feet and I will recognize you.

    “Honorable members, since all members are in support of the bill, I am definitely not going to gag the House. I will give you the opportunity to expand and improve further the submissions made so that at the consideration stage, it will be enriched by your contributions.

    “But I just want us to be clear that none is against the bill,” he stressed.

  • Speaker Bagbin cited for contempt over anti-LGBTQ bill

    Speaker Bagbin cited for contempt over anti-LGBTQ bill

    For allowing the House to pass the anti-LGBTQ+ bill despite outstanding legal actions, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has been cited for contempt at the Supreme Court.

    According to researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi, the Speaker has disrespected and derided the justice system.

    “The respondent has continually violated and shown utter disregard for the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the court process.

    “That the respondent’s clear, intentional and continuous disregard of the court process necessitates the Respondent being sanctioned for contempt in the public interest and to protect the dignity of the Court,” the Court documents are quoted to state by MyJoyOnline.com.

    Dr. Odoi is one of two citizens who have filed lawsuits against the Attorney General and Speaker of Parliament over the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

    According to her research, the Speaker has been served with all pertinent legal documents, including one seeking the judge to impose an injunction prohibiting Parliament from considering the measure.

    Despite this, she claimed, the Speaker moved the bill through to the second reading in Parliament this week.

    “That by his conduct in directing or causing Parliament to proceed to a Second Reading of the Bill, in full knowledge of the pending suit and related interlocutory injunction application, the Respondent has disregarded and disrespected the authority of this Court.

    “That such disregard interferes with the outcome of the pending litigation, brings the administration of justice into disrepute and undermines public confidence in the judicial system.”

    She, therefore, believes an imposition of sanctions will preserve the court’s dignity.

  • Parliament likely to amend portions of anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Chair of Constitutional Committee

    Parliament likely to amend portions of anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Chair of Constitutional Committee

    The Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament in Ghana is currently discussing potential amendments to the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    The committee’s chairman, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, has disclosed that they are considering the inclusion of specialized health facilities aimed at providing support and rehabilitation for LGBTQ+ individuals.

    Speaking to JoyNews, he said “we are going to look at the amendment that we have made and the speaker prompted us that he may refer it back to us. For instance, the proposal that the person had practiced and owned up to rehabilitation and the person will want to go to the hospital.”

    In addition, the Asante Akim Central MP has clarified that the proposed amendment would involve the participation of Christian and Muslim hospitals. These hospitals would play a role in assisting with the reintegration of LGBTQ+ individuals back into society, as part of the rehabilitation process.

    “Health facilities from all the churches and Moslem communities, they have the health facilities and we want to bring them on board. We as a committee will have to meet them and take a decision on that,” he said.

    When questioned about the current status of the lawsuit against the bill, the chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee stated that the committee will continue with its work as they have not yet been officially informed about any pending case in court.

    “I have not had any hint about this case so when I am proceeding, I will proceed on this case. I have not had any hint and nobody has prompted me that this will not allow me to proceed, I can not on my own, I am hearing it on you for the second time that there is a case in court but I have not seen it,” he said.

    The bill which has come to be known as anti-LGBTQ+ has come under scrutiny from some sections of the public and went through a second reading in Parliament on June 5, 2023.

    The controversial LGBT bill is a private member’s bill that was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021. It is being spearheaded by 8 MPs.

    The proponents want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalised in the country.

    Although the Bill is in Parliament, the LGBTQ+ conversation was reignited during US Vice President, Kamala Harris’ visit to Ghana.

  • Akufo-Addo will accent to anti-LGBTQ bill into law – Appiah Kubi

    Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah Kubi, is optimistic that President Akufo-Addo will not object to accenting into law the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill following its approval by Parliament.

    However, should the president register some concerns, the MP stated that he would have no other option than to sign into law the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    “The clergy, civil society, even the Muslim community, so the whole Ghana is unanimous in the rejection of such an invitation to engage in LGBTQ so the President has no option.

    “He has no option but to accent to the bill. I am positive and hopeful that the President will accent to the Bill to be law,” the lawmaker told Starr News.

    Amidst a tumultuous atmosphere, Ghana’s Parliament has adopted the report of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs on the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, recommending its passage.

    During the presentation of the report, Chairman Kwame Anyimadu Antwi argued that the bill has undergone careful adjustments to align with the constitutional framework of the country.

    Following overwhelming support from both sides, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin called for any opposing views to be expressed, but no dissenting voices emerged.

    However, taking into account the significant number of members present in the house on July 5, 2023, the Speaker announced his decision to still allow for a debate on the matter.

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: Why run away from Saudi Arabia – Muntaka quizzes the West

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: Why run away from Saudi Arabia – Muntaka quizzes the West

    Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency, Mubarak Muntaka, has dared pro-LGBTQ advocates in the West to engage Saudi Arabia government to accept the LGBTQ community should they be committed to protecting human rights.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday with regards to the anti-LGBTQ bill, Mr Muntaka accused the West of being selective in their advocacy for the acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

    According to him, the West has targetted Africa due to the disunity and the vulnerable state of most countries in the continent, and has turned a blind eye to the likes of Saudi Arabia due to the benefits they derive from such countries.

    He noted that in Saudi Arabia, the sanctions meted out to members of the LGBTQ community are dire compared to those of some African countires, yet the West has remained silence due to the oil deal, among others it engages with the country.

    “I don’t understand why the Europeans and Americans are on the Africans. Saudi Arabia… Why are they running away from Saudi Arabia. Because of the oil? Because of their interest there they are running away from there. For them, they do not only imprison them (LGBTQ members). They kill them and use crane to lift the body for the whole crowd to see.

    With the lack of better words in terms of treating human being, what is more barbaric than this? Yet they are quiet because as for that place their bread will be battered,” he said.

    The Asawase MP asserted that “because we (Africans) are disunited and they can exploit our resources, they can even be threatening us that of you pass this thing, your country will suffer a loss of these millions.

    Mr Muntaka stressed that despite the intervention, threats and advocacy, Ghana will remain opposed to the activities of the LGBTQ community.

    “Mr Speaker, we are happy to eat grass. We are happy to starve to death but we will keep our values and culture,” he emphasised.

    Several African countries such as Uganda has passed laws that criminalises the activities of the LGBTQ community.

    The United States in response has imposed visa restrictions on Uganda officials. But the country remains unwavering to implement the law.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Report men who force you to have anal sex, use sex toys – Communications Minister charges women

    Report men who force you to have anal sex, use sex toys – Communications Minister charges women

    Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has called on Ghanaian women who are coerced by their partners into engaging in oral and anal sex, and using sex toys to make a complaint to the police.

    During the parliamentary discussion on the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill on Wednesday, she emphasized that such acts, regardless of the genders involved, are illegal under the anti-LGBTQ bill and will be treated as criminal offenses.

    Expressing concern over reports of wives facing divorce threats from their husbands for refusing to participate in these sexual activities, the lawmaker emphasized the importance of women knowing their rights and seeking legal assistance when faced with such coercive situations.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and the information of all Ghanaians, oral sex, anal regardless of whether it is between woman and man, man and man or woman and woman is illegal under our law and so if there is anybody who is practising oral sex or anal sex please note that what you are doing is against the existing law of this country.

    Addressing her colleagues on July 5, she insisted underscored the significance of the proposed bill in addressing such issues.

    “And so I will urge any woman or young girl being subjected to any of such practice under the guise of heterosexual sex to know that what they are being asked to do is against and law and must seek help from the police. Anal sex is unnatural carnal knowledge, use of sex toys is unnatural carnal knowledge.”

    Per Section 104 of the Criminal Code of Ghana “unnatural carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner or with an animal.”

    The second reading of the bill hit a snug as two lawsuits have been filed against it —one at the High Court and the other at the Supreme Court.

    As a result, Parliament has decided to take a cautious approach and slow down the decision-making process regarding the bill.

    But today, the second reading of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill went through, and the consideration stage will follow before a third reading to signal passage.

    The proposed anti-LGBTQ bill presented to Parliament in 2021 as a private bill by some MPs has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.

    The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.

  • Parliament discusses anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament discusses anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament has resumed its discussions on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    The second reading of the bill hit a snug as two lawsuits have been filed against it —one at the High Court and the other at the Supreme Court.

    As a result, Parliament has decided to take a cautious approach and slow down the decision-making process regarding the bill.

    The proposed anti-LGBTQ bill presented to Parliament in 2021 as a private bill by some MPs has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.

    The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.

  • International treaty will not be violated by Anti-LGBTQ bill – Ahiafor

    International treaty will not be violated by Anti-LGBTQ bill – Ahiafor

    The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, has affirmed that the enactment of the bill concerning the promotion of appropriate sexual human rights and Ghanaian Family Values, anti-LGBTQ bill, will not infringe upon any international treaty.

    The Constitutional Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, in its report on the bill, expressed concerns about potential violations of international treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civic and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, among others.

    However, during the parliamentary deliberations on the bill, Bernard Ahiafor, as the Ranking Member on the Constitutional Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, rejected these assertions.

    He disputed any claims that the bill, if passed, would contravene international treaties.

    “The bill under reference if passed into law will not violate article 108 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana,” Mr Ahiafor said, adding if this bill is passed into law there is no provision in any international treaty or convention that will be violated.”


    The proposed bill aims to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities and related actions, including the prohibition of the dissemination, endorsement, or advocacy of LGBT and related activities. Additionally, it seeks to establish safeguards and assistance for children, as well as individuals who are victims or accused of engaging in LGBT and related activities.

    In an interview, the Member of Parliament representing Ho West and one of the bill’s proponents, Emmanuel Bedzrah expressed optimism that lawmakers from both sides of the house would rally behind the bill and provide their support.

    “We have agreed with the Speaker, Alban Bagbin and leaders of the house, that the second reading of the bill will be taken today. It is our expectation that after today the consideration will also follow as well. And so we are very optimistic that we will have the reading, which is long overdue.”

    “The committee has agreed by consensus that this bill should be passed. And so there will not be any struggle at all. I would have loved that those who are against it should be bold enough and tell Ghanaians, but you will be surprised that everybody will support this bill today,” Member of Parliament for Ho West expressed hope.

  • No court can prevent Parliament from passing Anti-LGBTQ bill – Sam George

    No court can prevent Parliament from passing Anti-LGBTQ bill – Sam George

    A member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has stated that the court lacks the authority to stop Parliament from enacting the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    The vocal proponent of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill says the judiciary should not overstep its boundaries by attempting to dictate the legislative process.

    Speaking to the media, Mr George questioned the court’s willingness to entertain two recent cases brought before it against the bill’s passage.

    “I’m wondering why the courts are going ahead to even entertain any case at this point in time because the courts must bear in mind that no court can issue a judgment or give directive to the President that you can’t discuss this matter in Cabinet.”

    He highlighted that while the courts play a crucial role in ensuring due process and keeping the legislation in check, they cannot assume to have the power to impede on Parliament’s right to pass laws.

    “It is the prerogative of Parliament to pass legislation, and so no court should think that they have the power to tell Parliament that you can pass this bill or you cannot pass this,” Mr George stressed.

    Citing a previous case involving the Marijuana legislation, Sam George underscored that the courts have the ability to review the legislative process after Parliament has passed a law.

    He said in such cases, they can assess whether all necessary procedures were followed and potentially nullify the law if due process was not observed. However, he firmly stated that this should not interfere with Parliament’s right to sit and pass laws.

    “You can pass a judgment, saying that Parliament did not go through all the processes and nullify the law. But you can’t tell Parliament that you cannot sit and pass a law,” added Mr. George.

    The proposed LGBT Bill has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.

    The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.

    While it has generated support from certain segments of society who believe it aligns with Ghana’s cultural and religious values, it has also drawn criticism from human rights organizations and advocates who argue that it infringes upon the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: Speaker yet to decide whether or not to continue with proceedings

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: Speaker yet to decide whether or not to continue with proceedings

    Joseph Osei-Owusu, the 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has provided an explanation for the delay in addressing the Ghanaian anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament.

    Mr. Osei-Owusu stated that progress on the bill requires the approval of the Speaker, considering that two lawsuits have been filed against it.

    “In respect of that bill, there’s a court action pending which Mr. Speaker has been made a party. Mr Speaker brought the court action to the attention of leaders, and so I think in considering programming or not programming, you may wish to discuss with the Speaker and what steps he may take before you programme them,” the 1st Deputy Speaker told the House.

    The Ghanaian anti-LGBTQ+ bill, known as the Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, is a private member’s bill sponsored by the Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George, along with other Members of Parliament.

    However, the bill has encountered significant obstacles as two lawsuits have been filed against it—one at the High Court and the other at the Supreme Court.

    As a result, Parliament has decided to take a cautious approach and slow down the decision-making process regarding the bill, causing a significant setback in its progress.

    During a session in the House, Sam George expressed his dissatisfaction with the business committee for not scheduling the bill for consideration.

    He thereby suggested that the committee tables the bill for the business of the House.

    Mr George contended that “We [Parliament] can begin to sit on it and do the second reading, tending other government business, so if they can table it for next week, we will be grateful.”

    But the 1st Deputy Speaker reiterated that the Speaker should be consulted as to whether or not Parliament could continue with the proceedings in the light of the constitutional interpretation that is being sought against the bill.

    However, Mr Osei-Owusu assured that they would engage to decide the next step to take to avoid a “clash with the judiciary.”

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill approval is done! – Uganda president declares

    Anti-LGBTQ bill approval is done! – Uganda president declares

    Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, president of Uganda has declared that every discussion on anti-LGBTQ bill has been settled since May 29 when he approved of the Bill transmitted to him from the Parliament.

    He stressed in a quote shared by the presidency that ‘nobody will move us,’ likening the fightback that the Bill has generated to a war situation, which he said the country was ready to face.

    Museveni, who has perenially spoken in harsh terms against same-sex relations said the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) will resist any opposition day and night.

    “The NRM has never had two languages, what we tell you in the day is what we shall say to you at night. The signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is finished, NOBODY will move us, We should be ready for a war. Remember war is not for the soft,” Museveni is quoted to have said.

    President Museveni signs anti-LGBTQ law

    The 78-year-old signed the much talked-about anti-homosexuality bill into law on May 29.

    The new legislation limits the offence of homosexuality to gay sexual acts, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

    Aggravated offences, such as sexual abuse against minors or disabled individuals, or infecting a victim with a lifelong illness, can result in the death penalty, the BBC Africa LIVE page reported.

    The law also mandates reporting of any homosexual abuse against children or vulnerable individuals.

    International partners and organizations expressed deep concern over the law’s impact on health education and outreach programs for AIDS and the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals.

    President @KagutaMuseveni????️: The NRM has never had two languages, what we tell you in the day is what we shall say to you at night. The signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is finished, NOBODY will move us, We should be ready for a war. Remember war is not for the soft. pic.twitter.com/8nuMRXYlb1— State House Uganda (@StateHouseUg) May 31, 2023

  • I can’t change even a dollar anywhere in the world – Sam George reveals anti-LGBTQ bill effect

    I can’t change even a dollar anywhere in the world – Sam George reveals anti-LGBTQ bill effect

    Ningo-Prampram MP, Samuel Nartey George, the lead advocate for the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, has expressed that his commitment to this cause has come at a significant personal cost, even prior to the bill becoming law or otherwise.

    Mr Nartey George is sponsoring the Private Members’ Bill alongside seven other MPs.

    During an interview on Eko Sii Sen on Asempa FM on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, the outspoken legislator, who has been re-elected to represent the opposition National Democratic Congress in his constituency in the 2024 election, revealed that he has been unjustly included in a money laundering list due to his advocacy.

    He shared that this situation has posed challenges for him in conducting financial transactions whenever he travels outside the country.

    Even though he was given a reason for the blacklisting, the MP considers it as merely a cover-up, insisting that the blacklisting and some other experiences he’s gone through in some countries are clearly as a result of his anti-LGBTQ campaign.

    “I went to do a programme in LSE [London School of Economics] for example, and I needed a student account. The University gave me a letter, but the bank refused to open an account for me. As we speak, I can’t change even one dollar anywhere in the world. They’ve put me on a money laundering list. They claim I am laundering money for evangelical conservatives in the US.

    “I can’t change money anywhere, I have done some travels in the UK and Dubai. You know over there, when you want to exchange the money they’ll swipe your passport, so once they do that the countenance of the cashier changes when my name appears, then they hand the passport back to you and say we can’t change the money for you, sorry.

    When the host, Philip Osei Bonsu [A.k.a OB] asked him how he carries out financial transactions when he travels out of the country, the MP said, “You have to find the currency of the country you are travelling to, or you have to find a Ghanaian and beg him or her to change the money for you or you use your bank card. I can’t travel with money” the MP reiterated.

    They've blacklisted me over anti-gay bill; I can't even change a dollar outside Ghana - Sam George

    The MP also spoke about how he’s been unfairly handled when he travels outside despite being a diplomatic passport holder since the LGBTQ advocacy started.

    “Even when I travel with my diplomatic passport, you get pulled out of the line, you think that maybe they want to give you a special service because you’re carrying a diplomatic passport, they put you in a room for two hours; they just leave you sitting there and embarrass you…because you’ve gotten off a plane with Ghanaians and people see security people come and surround you and walk you into a room, search your bags and all of that just to harass you” he claimed.

    Sam George, who spoke painfully about the sacrifices, losses and experiences he and his colleagues have endured for pursuing the bill, said “I will write a book after, and I will chronicle everything especially when we are done. And it’s not just me. I can make reference to some because they are already published. Suhuyini [NDC MP for Tamale North] was rejected for a visa to Holland and the reason for rejection was that he lacked social ties to Ghana.

    “A sitting Member of Parliament lacks social ties? On that particular matter, I had to tweet at the Dutch Ambassador and tell him that I was also going to make a list of all Dutch businesses in Ghana and call for a boycott of all Dutch businesses. Then he came back and made for me what was the silliest excuse ever. That it was an administrative error.

    “Then I sent back a tweet to him and said that even shows how poor he is at being an ambassador. If an application of a diplomatic passport holder coming from the office of the Speaker of Parliament for an official trip can be subject to an administrative error, what is happening to several other ordinary Ghanaians who are paying so much and you’re rejecting their visas? Are we to assume that there’s so much administrative error there? The next day they granted him [Alhassan Suhuyini] the visa” the MP narrated.

    Despite these issues, the MP says he’s not perturbed in seeing the bill passed into law.

    “They don’t know me well. Those things give me the hunger to pass this bill. It is those things that spur me on because the more you try to break me, the harder I will come at you. Like we say in our faith, I have put my hands on the plough, there’s no turning back. I have crossed the Rubicon, I have bent that bridge, and I can’t go back”, he stated emphatically.

    About the Bill

    The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, will see culprits face a jail term of up to ten years depending on the crime, if passed in its current state.

    Portions of the Bill state that individuals of the same sex who engage in sexual intercourse are; “liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than seven hundred and fifty penalty units and not more than five thousand penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment of not less than three years and not more than five years or both.”

    The Bill further suggests that persons who engage in activities that “promote, support, express sympathy for or call for a change of public opinion towards an act prohibited under the Bill,” are liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than five years or not more than ten years.

    The other Members of Parliament sponsoring the bill alongside Sam George, are Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West) Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando), John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon) and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi).

    Sam George, in defense of the bill, has stated repeatedly that homosexuality is not a fundamental human right but a human preference which is in breach of the 1992 Constitution.

  • Man sues Speaker over ‘breaches’ during presentation of Anti-LGBTQ bill

    Man sues Speaker over ‘breaches’ during presentation of Anti-LGBTQ bill

    Paul Boama Sefa, a Ghanaian citizen based in the Ashanti Region, has filed class action against the Speaker of Parliament over processes involved in the presentation of the Human Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021.

    In relation to how the legislative body handled the anti-LGBTQ bill, he claims that the two have violated certain provisions of Ghana’s constitution.

    He claims that despite the law’s financial implications for the consolidated fund, a fiscal impact study report was not sent to parliament.

    Paul says the Speaker of Parliament has the mandate to ensure that all legislative processes are undertaken in accordance with the law.

    He noted the Public Financial Management Act requires that any bill to be laid in parliament should be accompanied by a fiscal impact analysis. He claims the Human Rights and Family Values Bill does not have this attached to it.

    Paul made reference to the Attorney General’s memo to Parliament where he makes this same point about the lack of a fiscal impact analysis.

    Substantively, the plaintiff wants the court to restrain the speaker, his deputies etc from proceeding with any processes regarding the bill until this is complied with.

    The Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee earlier addressed the AG’s concern in its final report to Parliament. The AG has also been dragged to court.

    The individual made reference to this noting that portions of the bill impose a charge on the consolidated fund.

    The Committee said it, however, noted through the amendments it was proposing, this will be taken care of.

    Meanwhile, the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee has encouraged the House to pass the legislation.

    The current lawsuit might affect the approval of the bill by the House.

  • I have slept with a lot of married men – Gay man reveals

    I have slept with a lot of married men – Gay man reveals

    An anonymous homosexual man has revealed that many Ghanaian men swindle their wives under the guise of marriage to hide their actual sexual orientation.

    According to Stephen (not his real name), his numerous sexual escapades have been with married men who are yet to come out of the closet or come to terms with their sexuality.

    Speaking with GhanaWeb, he noted that these men pretend to be happy at home in order not to appear suspicious, but engage in same-sex activities in the shadow.

    “Because, I’ve had instances where I’ve been with married men – a lot of married men, to be honest, a whole lot: who have their wives thinking they are in a happy home but then at the end of the day, when they pick their bags to go to work, they come to me before they go home,” he narrated.

    Stephen’s revelation comes at a time when talks of criminalizing same-sex activities (LGBTQ activities) have heightened.

    Parliament is considering Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBT bill which would ban one from identifying as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and its related activities when it becomes law. Culprits would risk jail term.

    Due to the high possibility of the passage of the bill which has been recommended for approval by the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, Stephen says he would get involved in a heterosexual relationship to stay off the radar – an action he considers unfair on the part of the woman.

    He however noted that he would secretly continue having same-sex relations.

    “A typical example, if I’m to marry in Africa, I will definitely marry a woman… I’ll still do men even in the absence of my wife; in secrecy, I’ll still do men, which I don’t think is fair to anyone’s daughter,” he said.

    Nonetheless, Stephen insisted that in order not to “put your sister or anyone through such; I’d rather live my truth.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ama Governor allegedly denied call to the bar over LGBTQ and morality issues

    Popular Ghanaian YouTuber, Ama Governor, who is a pansexual living in Ghana has been denied a call to the bar.

    The news which broke on Twitter on November 9, has got the social media platform buzzing.

    It is reported that the Ghana Legal Council denied her access to the bar due to her affiliation with the LGBTQ community.

    Also, it has been said that a petition was filed against her by an unknown person, which resulted in the punitive decision that was taken against her.

    She, along with her disgruntled friends, have taken to social media to cry about the ordeal.

    According to them, it is not fair for the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to stop her from becoming a lawyer at the eleventh hour when she has passed all her exams.

    Twitter has been flooded with divergent views on what people make of the situation. While some agree with the GBA, others believe Ama Governor must be allowed to become a lawyer regardless of her sexuality.

    A petition dubbed “Justice for Ama Governor” is being circulated.

    Meanwhile, a bill has been introduced in Parliament that, if passed, will effectively ban and criminalize all forms of LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.