Ghana is currently in the spotlight over its legislation that seeks to criminalize the identification and activities of the LGBTQ community, as well as its promoters and sponsors.
Parliament passed the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill on Wednesday, and since then, several international communities such as the UN Human Rights and the US have called on President Akufo-Addo not to assent to the bill.
Some Ghanaians, especially the Minority in Parliament, are skeptical of President Akufo-Addo appending his signature to the bill to become law.
Not many citizens are pleased by this and want the president to make his stance known, just like his predecessors did. A video of the late John Evans Fifi Atta Mills has resurfaced.
Thirteen years ago, then President John Evans Fifi Atta Mills assured that Ghana would not legalize same-sex activities under his watch.
In an interview on November 2, 2011, he said, “(But) I as president of this nation, I will never initiate or support any attempts to legalise homosexuality in Ghana.”
Throwback to when Ghana’s late President H.E Evans Attah Mills gave a clear and unwavering verdict on LGBTQ+. pic.twitter.com/HDWOjNVRSW
During that period, Britain had warned it would review aid to countries that persecute homosexuals. It had suspended £19 million in aid to Malawi because of concerns including its treatment of gays.
Now, Ghana faces the same threat as Uganda has been hit with sanctions by the US for passing one of the world’s harshest anti-Gay bill.
The Executive Secretary for the National Coalition for Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, Moses Foh-Amoaning, is optimistic that President Akufo-Addo will endorse the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Parliament approved the bill on February 28, 2024, criminalizing LGBTQ activities along with the promotion, advocacy, and funding of such activities. Convictions could result in jail terms ranging from 6 months to 5 years.
While the bill has faced criticism, including remarks from the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, Foh-Amoaning emphasized the potential political consequences if the President opts not to sign the bill. He warned that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) might gain an advantage in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
In an interview on 3FM, Foh-Amoaning expressed confidence in President Akufo-Addo’s alignment with Ghanaian family values and vowed to confront opponents of the anti-gay bill in court.
“Well, the President is a very smart politician and what I’ve told everybody who asked me this question is, first of all, there’s no President who has ascended the presidency of Ghana who has used the word of God more than this President. So, the point I’m trying to make is, with all that I know about the President, I know he will sign this bill.
“If he refuses to sign, it would be very easy for the NDC, [they] will just package the NPP as Trumu Trumu party,” he stated in an interview on 3FM.
Executive Director of the Alliance for Christian Advocacy Africa, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to promptly sign the Anti-LGBT+ Bill into law.
He emphasized that this action would demonstrate the president’s commitment to reflecting the national interest and addressing the concerns of Ghanaians.
His call comes in the wake of Parliament’s passage of the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBT+ Bill, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, which is now awaiting presidential approval.
Despite criticisms of the bill by individuals such as Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong contends that the legislation aligns with the collective interests of the country. Therefore, he believes the president should promptly assent to the bill to provide a national response to this issue.
What happened in Parliament yesterday was not just about the MPs; it was something that is of national concern. It is something that troubled Ghanaians, and thankfully, some MPs took it to Parliament for us. We have been having conversations about it for a very long time, and we got Sam George and some other MPs to sponsor the bill in Parliament.
“What is left now is for the president to sign; we are pleading with him because this is of national consent; he should give it a national response,” he stated.
In response to critics, the clergyman emphasized that democracy entails allowing everyone to express their views freely, without coercion.
“Democracy requires that we have opinions. When I wake up in the morning, and I am hungry, I should be able to say that I am hungry without people asking me why I am hungry.
“So, because of democracy, we must allow everybody to share their opinion. Some people will prefer to share their opinions on TV, just as we are doing now, while others will prefer demonstrations or going to court. Some people prefer to go to Parliament like Sam George and his colleagues. So, we cannot stop people from having opinions as far as the bill is concerned,” he added.
Meanwhile, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo argued that the bill was passed for political reasons rather than genuine concerns about societal values.
Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong made these remarks in an interview with Accra-based UTV on February 29, 2024.
An advocate against the Sexual Human Rights and Family Values Bill, Emerita Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, has voiced her disappointment over the potential assent by President Akufo-Addo.
The bill, which seeks to outlaw LGBTQI+ activities and penalize their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, following the completion of the Third Reading.
In an interview with Starr News, Prof Manuh expressed her disapproval of the bill, citing concerns about its necessity and constitutional compatibility. She argued that the bill, if signed into law, would be a violation of Article 108 of the Constitution, particularly regarding its enforcement provisions, which could impose financial burdens on the public purse.
“The reason why the President has not assented to the other private members bills that were sent to him was that they violate Article 108 of the Constitution. I believe that this bill violates Article 108 even more because every part of it is about enforcement, which is going to be a charge on the public purse. So if we are to follow the president’s reasoning, I will be surprised if he assents to this bill,” Prof. Manuh stated.
She emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting constitutional rights and freedoms for all citizens, regardless of their religion or identity. Prof. Manuh stressed that no law or act should be inconsistent with the Constitution, particularly concerning provisions that govern fundamental rights and freedoms.
“We live in a country that is governed by the rule of law; we live under a constitution. No law, no Act that is passed can be inconsistent with the Constitution. Therefore, if there are violations of the Constitution, especially as regards the rights and freedoms that are guaranteed to all Ghanaians, the Constitution does not begin to differentiate according to your religion or identity. This law is unnecessary; we already have provisions in our laws that govern all matters,” she asserted.
Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament and a key sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, Sam George, has alleged that an educational establishment, North Legon Little Angels located in Accra is promoting the activities of the LGBTQ+ community.
In an interview on StarrFM on December 14, 2023, Sam George claimed that Ghanaian musician and pro-LGBTQ activist Deborah Vanessah was invited by the school authorities to engage students and in her engagement she informed students that is acceptable to have romantic feelings for the same sex.
According to Sam George, Deborah Vanessah’s time with the student was shared on the school’s Instagram page, but following backlash, the school took down the footage.
“I am absolutely not interested in the privacy of your bedroom. It is because these same people have taken what is their private perversion and are bringing it to my children’s classroom. North Legon Little Angles, I am mentioning the name of the school, they take somebody who calls herself an influencer and so called social media celebrity. Take her to a school to sit with children aged 8 to 11 and tell them that it is okay for them as boys to love boys and girls to love girls. Here in Ghana, North Legon Little Angels.
“Deborah Vannesah, Medical’s ex, One Luv’s sister. What she is doing is grooming. The video was there and they posted it on Instagram. The school after the backlash has taken it down. Did the school seek the permission of the parents for that kind of education to be given to their children? These are some of the things that are making me and my blood boil. How can I pay school fees for my child to go to school…” he said.
The Independent Ghana emphasizes that these are allegations levelled by the legislator against the educational institution.
I don’t care what happens in your bedroom but sanctity of children – Sam George tells LGBTQ Community #Tigpost Sister Derby | Asamoah Gyan | LGBTQ | Ursula | Ghana | Ablakwa | Dumsor | Meek | KT Hammond pic.twitter.com/3hDLMKqw8F
This footage has resurfaced at a time when Parliament has passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human rights infringement.
However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage,.
Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote, and the ayes had it.
As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill to the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Ghana is among many African countries that are working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August.
The concern now is Ghana could face similar sanctions and be blocked from receiving financial aid from countries that uphold LGBTQ rights. But Parliamentarians have noted that Ghana is poised to withstand whatever pro-LGBTQ countries throw at them.
Already, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read, “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”
Ghanaian media personality and multi-talented artist, Deborah Vanessa, widely known as Sister Derby, has taken to her Twitter platform to sarcastically comment on the recent passage of the LGBTQ+ bill by members of parliament.
In a witty tone, Sister Derby questioned the significance of the bill in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians, suggesting that there are more crucial matters that demand attention in the country.
Mockingly, she listed a range of pressing issues such as road infrastructure, healthcare, education, clean water accessibility, environmental concerns, unemployment, and social challenges that she humorously implied would be magically addressed by the passage of the controversial bill.
Taking to er X platform, she said “ the passage of the bill will fix the roads, build hospitals and schools, ensure that there’s potable water in every community, clean all the polluted rivers, stop Galamsey, provide jobs for the youth, solve the plastic pollution menace, take the kids off the streets and also solve light off issue lmao,” Sister Derby stated.
Parliament passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage citing human right infringement.
However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage.
Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote and the ayes had it.
As it stands now, Parliament has tabled the bill to the President’s desk for President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill to become law.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organisations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Ghana is among many African countries that are working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August.
The concern now is Ghana could face similar sanctions and be blocked from receiving financial aid from countries that uphold LGBTQ rights. But Parliamentarians have noted that Ghana is poised to withstand whatever pro-LGBTQ countries throw at them.
Already, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”
The passage of Ghana’s Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, has sparked strong reactions both domestically and internationally.
U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, expressed deep sadness over the bill’s passage, highlighting the impact it will have on the rights of LGBTQ individuals, whom she believes are one of the smartest and decent people, and all Ghanaians.
She emphasized that the bill not only infringes upon basic human rights but also undermines constitutional freedoms such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.
Palmer warned of the negative implications the bill could have on public order, public health, Ghana’s international reputation, and its economy.
“I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press. It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghana’s international reputation and Ghana’s economy.”
The bill, which aims to criminalize LGBTQ activities in Ghana, proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in such activities and LGBTQ advocacy.
It also seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ rights, organizations, and events in the country. Despite efforts by some members of Parliament to amend the bill citing human rights concerns, the bill ultimately passed after a contentious session.
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s attempts to make amendments during the second consideration stage were rejected by the Minority, leading to the Speaker pushing for the third consideration stage, where the bill was passed with a voice vote.
Now, the bill awaits President Akufo-Addo’s assent to become law. Prior to its passage, there were several amendments made to the bill, including setting a minimum custodial sentence of three years and a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathizers.
Individuals caught directly engaging in LGBTQ activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Ningo Prampram Member of Parliament and a key sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, Sam George, has sought to clarify misconceptions and misinformation surrounding the controversial legislation.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. George expressed frustration over what he described as misinformation and miseducation about the bill. He particularly addressed the claim that LGBTQ+ individuals would face discrimination in job applications.
“Does anyone ask you who you slept within your bedroom when applying for a job? What happens in the confines of your bedroom remains the business of you and your partner,” he stated.
The legislator responded to an earlier statement by Dr. Amanda Odoi, another panelist on the show, who had suggested that the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill would not only infringe on the rights of LGBTQ+ people and make them feel unsafe in their own country but also result in discrimination in job applications.
In his argument, the MP stated that when individuals publicly define themselves by their sexual preference, it becomes a matter of public policy. He defended the bill’s focus on regulating such matters, asserting that public policy would naturally apply.
Mr. George also addressed the issue of funding, suggesting that some proponents of LGBTQ+ rights may be more interested in financial support than the welfare of Ghanaian children.
“If this is all about funding for you, I am more interested in the sanctity of Ghanaian children,” he said.
Mr. George highlighted the international context, pointing out the difference in LGBTQ+ rights enforcement in various countries. He noted that individuals respect and adhere to the laws of countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia when traveling there.
Comparing Nigeria’s 15-year jail term for engaging in LGBTQ+ activities to Ghana’s 3-year jail term, Mr. George questioned the moral authority of opponents of the LGBTQ+ Bill who would travel to Nigeria and still conform to their rules.
“… but think that Ghana should become a juggle because we think we are so liberal,” he stated.
On Wednesday, February 28, Parliament unanimously passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill after completing the third reading.
The bill has been a subject of intense debate and discussion since its introduction to the legislature three years ago. Proponents argue that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, while opponents argue that certain provisions of the bill violate human rights and promote discrimination.
Following its passage, many opponents have expressed their displeasure, with some civil society groups threatening legal action should President Akufo-Addo assent to the bill for it to become law.
I don’t care what happens in your bedroom but sanctity of children – Sam George tells LGBTQ Community #Tigpost Sister Derby | Asamoah Gyan | LGBTQ | Ursula | Ghana | Ablakwa | Dumsor | Meek | KT Hammond pic.twitter.com/3hDLMKqw8F
Parliament has rescheduled the ratification of the bill commonly known as the anti-gay bill, officially titled “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values,” to Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
This decision adheres to the updated standing orders of the house, requiring a minimum of one sitting day between the second review and the third reading of a bill.
The delay follows the second review of the bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBT activities and impose penalties for their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Simultaneously, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader in Parliament, has withdrawn proposed amendments to the bill on the promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.
This withdrawal follows the rejection of two proposals by the House, advocating for the replacement of imprisonment with community service for those involved in LGBT activities.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin has also withdrawn his amendment seeking mandatory counseling on human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values as a post-conviction sentence.
The anti-gay bill has been a source of controversy since its introduction, with human rights groups asserting that it would infringe upon the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana.
On Thursday, February 8, Parliament approved a jail term of three to five years for individuals intentionally promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ+ activities, with those caught in the act facing a minimum of six months and a maximum of three years in prison.
During the bill’s amendment process, Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued against punitive measures, expressing concerns about the country’s prisons’ ability to provide necessary rehabilitation for offenders. He proposed replacing a minimum two-month imprisonment sentence with a minimum one-month community service for individuals found guilty of LGBTQ+ activities.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a veiled message directed at Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, in relation to the anti- LGBTQ+ bill.
Bagbin’s remarks came after Afenyo-Markin proposed engaging the flagbearers of the leading political parties on the bill and suggested amendments replacing imprisonment with community service.
However, Bagbin has urged Afenyo-Markin to align his actions with his words, emphasizing that the time for stakeholders’ engagement had passed.
He stressed that actions speak louder than words, and the House must continue its authorized proceedings without further delays.
Bagbin stated, “We have gone past that, we have done the second reading, this is not the time to call for stakeholders’ engagement; there is no such practice in our proceedings. Please, actions speak louder than words; take note of that. It is not a matter of getting up and saying I am not opposed to the bill; I am in complete support of the bill, meanwhile, your actions are speaking differently from the words you are using.
“This House must continue to consider and do what it is authorized to do. After that, anybody else can decide on what to do. I can no longer extend this grace for a delay in the processing of this bill”.
In response to the lack of support for his proposed amendments, Afenyo-Markin withdrew all suggested changes to the anti-LGBT+ bill.
Initially moving a motion for the amendment of 20 clauses, he faced opposition during a voice vote, leading to the withdrawal of his proposals. Despite suggesting a secret vote, the Speaker instructed him to withdraw a similar proposed amendment, which he complied with.
The Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has lend his support to the objection to a specific provision in the anti-LGBTQ bill that could lead to the imprisonment of LGBTQ individuals.
Parliament recently approved a provision in the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill that would impose a three-to-five-year jail term for those promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities. Individuals caught engaging in such activities could face a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years in prison.
Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s put in efforts to halt the third reading of the anti-LGBTQ bill who has insisted that jail time will not be the solution to preserving Ghana’s family values.
However, Anyimadu-Antwi, speaking with Accra-based Asaase Radio on Friday, February 16, expressed doubt that the legislature would support Afenyo-Markin’s position.
He acknowledged the need for a less severe punishment for LGBTQ members, suggesting community service as a more appropriate alternative.
“Afenyo’s argument to me is very sound; that in this issue we have made it an offence, punish them but you can give them a community service, which we are yet to develop, to me is the best…”he said.
“So I know that Hon. Afenyo-Markin may try, but he will not succeed, he will not have the support because the sponsors of the private member’s bill do not want to reason with anybody, and they think that whatever they have proposed must be passed.”
Mr Anyimadu-Antwi added, “We would have to put it to vote and that is why I say, I don’t foresee the House voting in his favour.”
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s intervention on Thursday, February 15, successfully halted the third reading of the anti-LGBTQ bill, preventing its immediate passage and approval. While he expressed support for the principles outlined in the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, he specifically objected to a clause that could lead to the imprisonment of individuals involved in or promoting LGBTQ activities.
Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has halted the progress of the anti-LGBTQ bill by presenting compelling arguments aimed at blocking its third reading in Parliament.
Expressing his stance on Thursday, February 15, 2024, Afenyo-Markin asserted that imprisoning individuals based on their sexual preferences would not align with the Ghanaian values that the bill aims to safeguard.
Consequently, his intervention prevented the bill from being passed.
Earlier on the same day, Sam George, a proponent of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, had expressed optimism about the bill’s passage into law by the day’s end.
However, the Effutu MP articulated in Parliament that while he does not outrightly oppose the principles of the bill, he strongly objects to the provision that mandates imprisonment for individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ activities.
Afenyo-Markin argued that imprisoning individuals based on their sexual orientation contradicts the objective of upholding Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights.
He emphasized that addressing behavioral issues related to LGBTQ matters requires alternative solutions to incarceration, as he believes imprisonment exacerbates the problem rather than resolving it.
“To jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights,” he stated.
He proposed a thorough consideration of amendments, suggesting the substitution of community service for incarceration.
In his view, punitive measures included in the bill would not contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders. Despite this, Sam George, the bill’s sponsor, rebuts Afenyo-Markin’s argument, contending that it lacks validity.
Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has restated his opposition to custodial sentences for gay activities while expressing support for the overall principles of the anti-gay bill.
Parliament recently approved a bill prescribing three-to-five-year jail terms for those promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities, with a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 3 years for those engaged in such acts.
During the clause-by-clause amendment of the bill, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that punitive measures wouldn’t contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders. In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM with Umaru Sanda Amadu, he argued that enacting a law entrenching custodial sentences, especially for homosexual acts, was too harsh.
Afenyo-Markin clarified, “I support aspects of the bill, I oppose aspects of it. I am not against the principle, the object of the bill. In this day and age where the country’s judiciary thinking is towards a non-custodial sentence. We cannot enact a law that seeks to entrench custodial sentences. After all, it is about somebody’s sexuality, and we have to be very careful as a country not to be going into emotions when enacting a law.”
He further emphasized the need for empathy, questioning whether one would advocate sending a family member to jail based on their sexual orientation.
Parliament has approved new legislation establishing stricter penalties for those found to be actively promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
The minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for such individuals. Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
During parliamentary discussions on the amendment of the bill aimed at upholding Ghanaian family values and human sexual rights, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, clarified the reasoning behind the implementation of these punitive measures.
He emphasized that public concern primarily revolves around the advocacy and promotion of LGBTQ+ activities rather than individuals’ private conduct.
Mr George further elaborated on the sentencing structure, indicating that those directly involved in these activities themselves would face penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison.
“However, for those actively promoting, sponsoring, or supporting such agendas, the penalty increases to a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years.”
Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has advocated for custodial sentences for LGBTQ+ activists during the discussion of the anti-gay bill, emphasizing the importance of appropriate penalties for those promoting such activities.
The current provisions of the anti-gay bill suggest a punishment of 750 penalty units, equivalent to a minimum fine of GHS9,400 or a prison term of at least 2 years. The maximum penalty is set at 2,000 penalty units, translating to GHS24,000 or a prison sentence of 4 years.
Addressing concerns about the harshness of custodial sentences, revisions were introduced, reducing the minimum penalty to 50 units (GHS600) or a prison term of at least 3 months.
The maximum penalty was also adjusted to 100 units (GHS1,200) or a prison sentence of up to 6 months.
However, during his address to Parliament on Wednesday, February 7, Alexander Afenyo-Markin proposed a further reduction in the sentence, suggesting a maximum imprisonment period of three months.
Anti-gay bill: Afenyo-Markin proposes a 3-month maximum sentence instead of 6 for the promotion of LGBTQI+ activities. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/cKBGvl4Ajf
“We should rather look at one month to three months instead of three months and six months. If a commensurate penalty unit cannot be defined within the context of the proposal which is two months and four months then we should not go higher.
“We cannot there say that the nearest is three and six. We can also have the nearest being one and three. So, Mr. Speaker, we should rather look at one month and three months instead. I thank you,” Alexander Afenyo-Markin said.
Pope Francis has responded to criticism of his decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples, labeling the opposition as “hypocrisy.”
The authorization of blessings for LGBT couples was granted last month through a Vatican document named Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust).
However, this decision has faced significant pushback within the Catholic Church, especially from African bishops.
“Nobody gets scandalised if I give my blessings to a businessman who perhaps exploits people, and this is a very grave sin. But they get scandalised if I give them to a homosexual,” Francis told Italian Catholic magazine Credere.
“This is hypocrisy,” he said.
Credere released excerpts of the interview on Wednesday, one day before its scheduled publication date.
Additionally, Francis affirmed that he “always” extends a welcome to LGBT individuals and remarried divorcees for the sacrament of confession, as reported by another passage published by Vatican media.
“No one should be denied a blessing. Everyone, everyone, everyone” the pontiff said, repeating a three-word slogan he used in August during a Catholic youth festival in Portugal.
At the outset of his papacy, Francis famously remarked “Who am I to judge?” when questioned about homosexuality, signaling his intention to foster a more inclusive and compassionate Catholic Church.
Making the Church more welcoming and less judgmental has become one of Francis’s key objectives, despite facing criticism from conservatives who argue that this approach risks diluting the Church’s moral teachings.
Francis has consistently defended the Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans, which authorized blessings for same-sex couples, while acknowledging the resistance it has encountered. He has emphasized the importance of priests considering local sensitivities when administering these blessings.
Furthermore, Francis has clarified that these blessings do not signify formal Church approval for same-sex unions, seeking to address concerns within the Church about maintaining doctrinal integrity.
“When a couple comes forward spontaneously to ask for them, one does not bless the union, but simply the people who together have requested it. Not the union, but the persons,” Francis said on Jan. 26.
The Catholic Church maintains that homosexual acts are considered sinful and disordered, while individuals with same-sex attractions, which are not deemed sinful, are encouraged to pursue chastity.
In a recent interview published by Italy’s La Stampa daily, Francis expressed hope that critics of LGBT blessings would eventually come to understand them. However, he acknowledged that opposition to homosexuality, particularly prevalent in Africa, posed a unique challenge.
Bishops in Africa have largely rejected the Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans, arguing that its application could lead to scandal. Both Pope Francis and Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the head of the Vatican’s doctrinal department, have acknowledged the validity of this stance.
In some African nations, homosexuality is met with severe punishment, including imprisonment or even the death penalty, underscoring the significant cultural and legal barriers facing LGBT individuals in certain regions.
Mr Mahama said he can’t accept men marrying men and women marrying women because of his faith, according to Reuters news agency.
“I don’t think anyone can just decide to change their gender from female to male,” he said, talking to a group of religious leaders in Ghana on Wednesday.
Gay rights are a big issue in Ghana.
The government in West Africa is thinking about a new law that could make life harder for LGBTQ people. If it passes, LGBTQ people could face tougher punishments.
The law says that people in Ghana can’t say they are LGBTQ. It also makes the punishment for same-sex activities longer, from three years to five years.
The bill also stops people from promoting LGBTQ rights.
Former President John Dramani Mahama is of the assertion that President Akufo-Addo will not approve the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Mr Mahama criticized the government for not promptly facilitating the approval and enactment of the bill three years after it was introduced.
He disagreed with the President’s argument that passing the bill would result in additional costs for the government and impose pressure on the state’s Consolidated Fund.
“The bill in parliament has not been passed yet, but the government has shown that if the law is passed, the president will not assent to it. The Attorney General says the private member’s motion can be passed, but it should not come at a cost to the government. The president, based on that technicality, will not sign the bill into law. Between Parliament and the Executive, they will have to check and see if they can take off any cost from the government so that the President will sign,” he said.
Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has made his position known on the identification and activities of the LGBTQ community in the country.
According to the former president, Ghana cannot accept or condone the activities of the LGBTQ community. He argues that such a practice or lifestyle goes against the Christian faith.
He rubbished the claim that a man can decide to alter his sex and be addressed as a trans man or woman.
“My faith is against LGBTQ. I am an Assembly’s of God Member. The faith I have does not agree with a man marrying a man and a women getting betrothed to another woman.
“Personally, I don’t agree with that. A man is a man and a woman is a woman. I do not agree with the assertion that people say I feel like I am a girl when I am a boy, so I am going to have surgery.
“God created us as man and woman and he knew what he was doing. So if you ask me, my personal faith is against LGBTQ,” he said.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the LGBTQ Bill has been debated on for close to three years after being sent to Parliament by some eight MPs including Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George in 2021.
Speaker Alban Bagbin reassured the public that the bill would be passed before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas and New Year break but that has not been the case.
Clause 4 of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill creates an offense related to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.
He argues that the clause is ambiguous and highly subjective in nature, a decision made following engagements with the Attorney-General, hence the need to delete it.
Quoting recommendations from the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, Mr. Anyimadu Antwi said, “Though this clause creates an offence relating to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values what constitutes ‘undermine’ is not defined and therefore the basis of the offence cannot be determined.
“Mr. Speaker this is the advice the learned Attorney General gave to the committee and the entire committee agreed on this advice. And that’s why we agreed as has been said by ranking that it was too much of subjectivity and ambiguities and that is why we propose that in deleting and creating an offence we shouldn’t be having ambiguities and subjectivities. That is why the proposal is to delete the entire clause.”
Meanwhile, the sponsors of the bill are not enthused about the recommendation made. South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor said that clause was integral to the entire bill and thus deleting it would be erroneous.
“Mr. Speaker the essence of four is so cardinal to this legislation. So, so cardinal, so, so fundamental to it. I’ve been struggling to appreciate the point made by the ranking member that this offence in article 39, he’s not been able to point it out.
“The subjectivity element that he points to that, too I am struggling to appreciate.
“Because you see when we enacted the provision this way, subject to the enhancement contained in the amendments listed thereafter, there will be investigations if somebody makes a complaint that clause four which subsequently will become section four has been breached, that is not the end of it. Investigations will be conducted. It is the investigation that will establish a prima facie that indeed clause four subsequently section four of the law has been breached or not,” he explained.
Dear @JDMahama, this is bold. This is decisive. This is leadership. Standing for what one believes in. I have never doubted your position on the matter, especially when you were attacked as President in Scotland in 2016 over your position on homosexuality. Posterity would… pic.twitter.com/TQjHRMuVqJ
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has condemned the identification and activities of the LGBTQ community in Ghana.
According to the former President, Ghana cannot accept or condone the activities of the LGBTQ community, as he believes such practices go against the Christian faith.
John Mahama rejected the claim that a person can decide to alter their sex and be addressed as a trans man or woman.
“My faith is against LGBTQ. I am an Assembly’s of God Member. The faith I have does not agree with a man marrying a man and a women getting betrothed to another woman.
“Personally, I don’t agree with that. A man is a man and a woman is a woman. I do not agree with the assertion that people say I feel like I am a girl when I am a boy, so I am going to have surgery.
“God created us as man and woman and he knew what he was doing. So if you ask me, my personal faith is against LGBTQ,” he said.
Addressing party folks as part of his 2-day tour of the Eastern Region, Mr Mahama chided the government led by President Akufo-Addo over their failure to see to the swift approval of the bill and its passing into law.
He disagreed with the President’s assertion that the passage of the bill will have the government incurring additional cost.
“The bill in Parliament has not yet been passed into law but the government has made it known that the president will not append his signature because his Attorney General says anything that is a Private Member motion and cannot bring any cost to the government.
“Based on that, Akufo-Addo has said when the Bill comes to him, he will not sign it.”
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the LGBTQ Bill has been debated on for close to three years after being sent to Parliament by some eight MPs including Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George in 2021.
Speaker Bagbin reassured the public that the bill would be passed before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas and New Year break but that has not been the case.
Clause 4 of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill creates an offense related to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.
He argues that the clause is ambiguous and highly subjective in nature, a decision made following engagements with the Attorney-General, hence the need to delete it.
Quoting recommendations from the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, Mr. Anyimadu Antwi said, “Though this clause creates an offence relating to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values what constitutes ‘undermine’ is not defined and therefore the basis of the offence cannot be determined.
“Mr. Speaker this is the advice the learned Attorney General gave to the committee and the entire committee agreed on this advice. And that’s why we agreed as has been said by ranking that it was too much of subjectivity and ambiguities and that is why we propose that in deleting and creating an offence we shouldn’t be having ambiguities and subjectivities. That is why the proposal is to delete the entire clause.”
Meanwhile, the sponsors of the bill are not enthused about the recommendation made. South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor said that clause was integral to the entire bill and thus deleting it would be erroneous.
“Mr. Speaker the essence of four is so cardinal to this legislation. So, so cardinal, so, so fundamental to it. I’ve been struggling to appreciate the point made by the ranking member that this offence in article 39, he’s not been able to point it out.
“The subjectivity element that he points to that, too I am struggling to appreciate.
“Because you see when we enacted the provision this way, subject to the enhancement contained in the amendments listed thereafter, there will be investigations if somebody makes a complaint that clause four which subsequently will become section four has been breached, that is not the end of it. Investigations will be conducted. It is the investigation that will establish a prima facie that indeed clause four subsequently section four of the law has been breached or not,” he explained.
Dear @JDMahama, this is bold. This is decisive. This is leadership. Standing for what one believes in. I have never doubted your position on the matter, especially when you were attacked as President in Scotland in 2016 over your position on homosexuality. Posterity would… pic.twitter.com/TQjHRMuVqJ
Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has made his position known on the identification and activities of the LGBTQ community in the country.
According to the former president, Ghana cannot accept or condone the activities of the LGBTQ community. He argues that such a practice or lifestyle goes against the Christian faith.
He rubbished the claim that a man can decide to alter his sex and be addressed as a trans man or woman.
“My faith is against LGBTQ. I am an Assembly’s of God Member. The faith I have does not agree with a man marrying a man and a women getting betrothed to another woman.
“Personally, I don’t agree with that. A man is a man and a woman is a woman. I do not agree with the assertion that people say I feel like I am a girl when I am a boy, so I am going to have surgery.
“God created us as man and woman and he knew what he was doing. So if you ask me, my personal faith is against LGBTQ,” he said.
Addressing party folks as part of his 2-day tour of the Eastern Region, Mr Mahama chided the government led by President Akufo-Addo over their failure to see to the swift approval of the bill and its passing into law.
He disagreed with the President’s assertion that the passage of the bill would have the government incur additional costs.
“The bill in Parliament has not yet been passed into law but the government has made it known that the president will not append his signature because his Attorney General says anything that is a Private Member motion and cannot bring any cost to the government.
“Based on that, Akufo-Addo has said when the Bill comes to him, he will not sign it.”
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the LGBTQ Bill has been debated on for close to three years after being sent to Parliament by some eight MPs including Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George in 2021.
Speaker Bagbin reassured the public that the bill would be passed before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas and New Year break but that has not been the case.
Clause 4 of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill creates an offense related to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.
He argues that the clause is ambiguous and highly subjective in nature, a decision made following engagements with the Attorney-General, hence the need to delete it.
Quoting recommendations from the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, Mr. Anyimadu Antwi said, “Though this clause creates an offence relating to undermining proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values what constitutes ‘undermine’ is not defined and therefore the basis of the offence cannot be determined.
“Mr. Speaker this is the advice the learned Attorney General gave to the committee and the entire committee agreed on this advice. And that’s why we agreed as has been said by ranking that it was too much of subjectivity and ambiguities and that is why we propose that in deleting and creating an offence we shouldn’t be having ambiguities and subjectivities. That is why the proposal is to delete the entire clause.”
Meanwhile, the sponsors of the bill are not enthused about the recommendation made. South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Defeamekpor said that clause was integral to the entire bill and thus deleting it would be erroneous.
“Mr. Speaker the essence of four is so cardinal to this legislation. So, so cardinal, so, so fundamental to it. I’ve been struggling to appreciate the point made by the ranking member that this offence in article 39, he’s not been able to point it out.
“The subjectivity element that he points to that, too I am struggling to appreciate.
“Because you see when we enacted the provision this way, subject to the enhancement contained in the amendments listed thereafter, there will be investigations if somebody makes a complaint that clause four which subsequently will become section four has been breached, that is not the end of it. Investigations will be conducted. It is the investigation that will establish a prima facie that indeed clause four subsequently section four of the law has been breached or not,” he explained.
Dear @JDMahama, this is bold. This is decisive. This is leadership. Standing for what one believes in. I have never doubted your position on the matter, especially when you were attacked as President in Scotland in 2016 over your position on homosexuality. Posterity would… pic.twitter.com/TQjHRMuVqJ
Former President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, John Dramani Mahama, has signaled his disapproval of LGBTQ.
This statement represents Mahama’s most explicit stance on the issue since it emerged as a topic of national discourse.
Despite being recognized for his moderate political positions during his tenure as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, Mahama’s stance on LGBTQ rights has remained ambiguous until now.
“By faith as a member of the Assemblies of God church, I am against LGBTQ,” Mahama declared, emphasizing the importance of aligning his political views with his religious beliefs.
Mahama’s statement emerges amid escalating tensions surrounding LGBTQ rights in Ghanaian society. The subject has ignited fervent discussions across political, religious, and social spheres, pitting advocates and adversaries against each other on matters pertaining to human rights, morality, and tradition.
Dear @JDMahama, this is bold. This is decisive. This is leadership. Standing for what one believes in. I have never doubted your position on the matter, especially when you were attacked as President in Scotland in 2016 over your position on homosexuality. Posterity would… pic.twitter.com/TQjHRMuVqJ
African Catholic bishops, represented by theSymposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (Secam), have disagreed with Pope Francis’ decision to bless homosexual couples.
They state that this goes against the will of God. In a statement, Secam, which is the umbrella body for Catholic bishops in Africa, expressed that the Vatican’s endorsement of same-sex blessings is not suitable.
“The constant teaching of the Church describes homosexual acts as ‘intrinsically disordered’ and contrary to the natural law,” it read.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the president of Secam, mentioned that the message had been approved by Pope Francis, and they will maintain their connection with the head of the Catholic Church.
Last month, Pope Francis stated that priests should be allowed to bless same-sex couples, causing varied reactions from the Catholic Church and the LGBT community.
However, the Vatican clarified that such blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or associated with civil unions or weddings.
The Vatican continues to uphold the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. Notably, around 64 countries globally criminalize homosexuality, with about half of them located in Africa.
A well-known activist for LGBTQ rights in Uganda, Steven Kabuye, was stabbed almost to death by unknown attackers while he was going to work this morning, according to his organization.
“He is very sick, and we hope you can pray for him,” said Coloured Voice -Truth to LGBTQ on social platform X.
A video on Mr. Kabuye’s account showed him in a lot of pain, with a knife in his stomach and an obvious cut on his arm.
Frank Mugisha, who fights for people’s rights, said that Uganda should not have hate crimes.
He said on X that we want the police to do a complete investigation.
The police have not said anything yet.
Uganda made one of the strictest laws against being gay last year.
The law made a lot of people around the world very angry. The World Bank stopped giving money to Uganda and the US stopped letting certain officials from Uganda into the country.
Anyone found guilty of being part of homosexual acts could go to jail for their whole life under the law.
Rights organizations want the highest court to cancel the law because they think it goes against the rights of fairness and respect.
The government is saying that the law protects the values of traditional families and is arguing in the case.
Rights groups reported that over 300 LGBTQ people in Uganda were abused in the first eight months of last year. The abuses included beatings, torture, arrests, and being forced out of their homes.
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has expressed criticism towards the activities of the LGBTQI+ community in Ghana.
She emphasized the significance of preserving the country’s customs and traditions, highlighting the notable gap between Western lifestyles and African values, particularly concerning same-sex relationships.
Speaking in an interview on Metro TV on December 25, 2023, she stated “As Ghanaians, we have our traditions, we have our traditional and customary practices, which certainly do not, as far as I know in almost 75 years of my age, include men marrying men.
“Therefore, I cannot accept the idea of men marrying men or women marrying women, as it goes against our cultural norms.”
She emphasized that throughout her lifetime, she had never encountered a situation where same-sex marriages were accepted within the customs of Ghana.
“I have not been told that in my customs, men marry men, and therefore, I can also choose to marry a woman. You know, I have not come upon that, and I will not accept that either,” she declared.
Parliament has begun considering the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2022”.
Parliament adjourned sine die for the Christmas and New Year break in the early hours of Saturday after passing the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
The Third Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament, which began on October 31, was initially scheduled to adjourn sine die on December 22 for the Christmas festivities. However, the all-night sitting extended into the early hours of Saturday, December 23.
Prior to recess, one of the Bills being considered by the House was the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill also known as the LGBTQ Bill.
This bill has been debated on for close to three years after being sent to Parliament by some eight MPs including Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George in 2021.
Speaker Bagbin reassured the public that the bill would be passed before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas and New Year break.
“I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill and I know the bill will see the light of day before we rise because the people of Ghana are expecting us to pass the bill before we go on recess. Failure to do so will have serious consequences on members as they want to advance in their political careers,” he said.
Award-winning Afropop, dancehall, and reggae musician, Livingstone Etse Satekla, better known by his stage name Stonebwoy, has declared he will not tolerate his children being gay or lesbian.
The BET award winner, who boldly identified as straight, claimed that because of the upbringing he and his wife are providing for their kids, he expects them to follow in their footsteps.
“I believe that people will take after you most often. I am straight, my dad was straight, my mother was straight. My family line majority of them showed straightness as far as I am concerned. So I believe that, I am straight and I can put my hands on that. My wife is straight. My daughter has got to be straight, my son has got to be straight because they are continuing in that certain. So they are going to learn that,” Stonebwoy said in an interview with Bola Ray on Starr Chat on Starr FM.
In mid-June 2021, Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana Alban Bagbin stated that LGBT+ rights “should not be encouraged or accepted by our society” and that “urgent actions are being taken to pass a law to eventually nip the activities of [LGBT+] groups in the bud.”
“Later that month, eight MPs in the Parliament proposed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021. The eight MPs were Sam Nartey George, Della Sowah, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Alhassan Suhuyini, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Helen Ntoso, and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, all of the National Democratic Congress, as well as John Ntim Fordjour of the New Patriotic Party. On 1 July, Alban Bagbin stated that he expected the law to be passed within six months, telling a prayer meeting of Ghanaian MPs that “the LGBT+ pandemic is worse than COVID-19.”
The bill successfully underwent its initial reading in the Ghanaian Parliament on 2 August 2021, subsequently being forwarded to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.
On 13 October 2021, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, the majority leader in Parliament, affirmed the commitment of the legislative body to meticulously evaluate the bill, emphasizing the importance of achieving a thoughtful balance in the process.
On November 5, 2021, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin disclosed that the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee would commence hearing petitions within a week, estimating that the hearings would span approximately 15 weeks.
Subsequently, on November 12, 2021, public hearings on the bill commenced in the Parliament of Ghana. During the initial hearings, Henry Kwasi Prempeh from the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development voiced opposition to the bill, emphasizing that being part of a temporary majority does not grant the authority to impose one’s will on any individual in society. Kyeremeh Atuahene of the Ghana AIDS Commission expressed concerns that the bill could criminalize anti-HIV/AIDS efforts in the country and jeopardize donor funding.
On November 30, 2021, Akwasi Osei of the Mental Health Authority Ghana voiced support for the bill, asserting that homosexuality was abnormal and claiming that a majority ofLGBT+individuals in Ghana identified as such due to peer pressure. On the same day, Joseph Whittal, the Commissioner of Human Rights and Administrative Justice of Ghana, cautioned the Parliament to exercise caution with the bill, stating that the commission neither endorsed nor opposed it but highlighted the potential risk of subjecting human rights advocates to criminal prosecution.
December 6, 2021, saw Moses Foh-Amoaning of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values expressing support for the bill, contending that LGBT+ individuals were “not well,” and the law provided health authorities with the power to intervene.
Fast forward to July 5, 2023, the Parliament of Ghana unanimously voted to grant the bill a second reading and approved minor amendments proposed by the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has reiterated that Catholic priests cannot bless same-sex marriages or unions.
This reaffirmation comes in response to reports suggesting that Pope Francis formally permitted Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions, which has sparked various opinions on social media.
Rev. Gyamfi clarified that Pope Francis did not direct or approve Catholic priests to bless marriages of gays and lesbians or any member of the LGBTQ community.
He emphasized that the Vatican’s document, “Fiducia Supplicans,” focuses on the pastoral care of individuals in same-sex relationships, offering them spiritual support and guidance.
“The Declaration makes a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings and pastoral blessings which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving graces in their lives. The Declaration says that these pastoral blessings “are meant for everyone; no one is to be excluded from them” (par. 28).”
It also notes that in “a brief prayer preceding this spontaneous blessing, the ordained minister could ask that the individuals have peace, health, a spirit of patience, dialogue, and mutual assistance—but also God’s light and strength to be able to fulfil his will completely (par. 38),” he added.
Rev. Gyamfi added that the statement also emphasized that no one should be excluded from these blessings.
“The Declaration deals with the possibility of “blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage”.
The Vatican said on Monday in a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies.
A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, which effectively reversed a declaration the same body had issued in 2021, said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.
It should in no way be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage, it added.
It said priests should decide on a case-by-case basis and “should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing”.
Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has disclosed that some pastors are actively lobbying against the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, currently under consideration.
In an interview on NEAT FM’s morning show, ‘Ghana Montie,’ on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, Anyimadu-Antwi revealed that religious leaders presented a report outlining reasons opposing the controversial bill.
“Most pastors also came to say that this law is good and should be passed. So it is both for and against. But the committee has resolved that we will pass the bill,” stated the Asante Akyem Central MP during the interview with Mac Jerry Osei-Agyemeng.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill has sparked significant controversy, with divergent opinions on its merits and implications. Despite the opposing views, Anyimadu-Antwi assured that the bill “will be passed very soon.”
The revelation of pastors engaging in efforts to sway the decision adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding the legislation.
Controversial LGBTQ+ rights activist and transgender musician, Angel Maxine, has claimed that she has evidence of a widespread sex scandal involving politicians, pimps, and boys at various schools in the country.
During a protest against the proposed anti-LGBT bill in a video on instagram, Angel Maxine claimed, “All you these so-called politicians, all you these so-called big men, MPs, you drive your cars and go and park at Labone SHS, PRESEC, UPSA, and then when you park, then your pimps will arrange the boys and then bring to you. They are people’s kids. Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, you have molested, you have taken advantage of, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper here and they are ready to speak out.”
She further threatened to expose MPs secretly involved in LGBT activities, along with revealing the identities of their family members and children who are allegedly gay or lesbian.
“Pass the bill, and I will show you your MP who is an LGBT person. All of you, your names are here. All of you, who have been texting people to get you boys to sleep with, all of you who have been begging your pimps to hook you up with people, all your chats and conversations are here. Pass the bill. Pass the bill and I will expose your family members, I will expose your children who are gay people, who are lesbians.”
Speaker Bagbin accused of incest#INDNews Anas Aremeyaw Anas | Legon | John Mahama #UPSA Landlord | Legon | 22nd December | Bawumia | Kasoa pic.twitter.com/cQc05wNT1U
These sensational claims by Angel Maxine have ignited widespread outrage and disbelief among the public. The allegations come amidst the ongoing debate in parliament over the controversial anti-LGBT bill, which has garnered criticism from human rights groups and foreign governments.
The anti-LGBT bill, which has been widely criticised by human rights groups and foreign governments, is currently being debated in parliament.
The bill proposes harsh penalties for anyone who engages in, promotes, or supports homosexuality, as well as banning same-sex marriage, adoption, and surrogacy.
The bill also seeks to outlaw any form of advocacy or expression of LGBT rights or issues. The bill has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting it as a way of preserving the country’s culture and morality, and others opposing it as a violation of human rights and dignity.
The bill has also sparked protests and counter-protests from both sides of the debate.
The Independent Ghana has not been able to verify the claims made by Angel Maxine.
Angel Maxine, a prominent LGBT activist in Ghana, has directed a bold challenge at President Nana Akufo-Addo, urging him to scrutinize the Jubilee House for potential LGBTQ+ individuals working there.
Angel Maxine’s call to action implored President Akufo-Addo to investigate the presence of LGBTQ+ individuals at the Jubilee House before considering the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
He/She claimed there are some “so-called politicians, big men,” who visit secondary and tertiary schools in Ghana and employ the services of pimps to recruit young boys for their sexual pleasure.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo, check the jubilee house, check the jubilee house well if there are no LGBT people working there. All you these so-called politicians, all you these so-called big men, MPS, you drive your cars and go and park at Labone SHS, PRESEC, UPSA, and then when you park, then your pimps will arrange the boys and then bring to you. They are people’s kids,” Angel alleged.
The visibly upset transwoman also claimed some of these politicians have “abused, molested and taken advantage of” these “kids”.
“Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, you have molested, you have taken advantage of, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper here and they are ready to speak out. Pass the bill, and I will show you your MP who is an LGBT person. All of you, your names are here. All of you, who have been texting people to get you boys to sleep with, all of you who have been begging your pimps to hook you up with people, all your chats and conversations are here,” Maxine passionately noted.
Speaker Bagbin accused of incest#INDNews Anas Aremeyaw Anas | Legon | John Mahama #UPSA Landlord | Legon | 22nd December | Bawumia | Kasoa pic.twitter.com/cQc05wNT1U
“Pass the bill. Pass the bill and I will expose your family members, I will expose your children who are gay people, who are lesbians,” he/she warned.
In a video uploaded on his/her Instagram handle angelmaxinetv with the caption, “This is a Subtle WARNING ⚠️”, Maxine as part of a broader critique aimed at several public figures, including Sam Georgeand Moses Foh Amoaning, questioned government’s focus on anti-LGBT legislation amid pressing issues facing the nation.
Sam George is the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ningo-Prampram constituency in Accra and a key sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill also known as Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021.
In his/her impassioned speech, Angel Maxine also accused Sam George of being a hypocrite and a failed politician, claiming that his constituency is home to many LGBT people who would potentially affected by the bill he is championing.
The names of other public figures, including Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, Moses Foh Amoaning, Speaker of the Parliament, Alan Bagbin, MP for Kpando Constituency, Dela Sowah, MP for Ho West Constituency, Emmanuel Bedzrah, MP for Kpando Constituency, Rockson Dafeamepkor, MP for La Dadekotopon Constituency, Rita Odoley Sowah, MP or Assin South Constituency, Ntim Fordjour, MP for Tamale North Constituency, Alhassan Suhuyini, and MP Krachi West Constituency, Helen Ntoso, were mentioned, with Angel Maxine expressing disappointment in the purported lack of development in their respective constituencies.
He/She said that they were all old criminals who had done nothing for their constituencies and the nation, and said that they were wasting their time and energy on a bill that violated human rights and dignity instead of focusing on the economic and social challenges facing Ghanaians.
Maxine also threatened to expose some of the politicians who are secretly gay and have had sexual relations with him/her or others.
He/she claimed to have evidence of their chats and claimed to have given copies to his/her lawyer, a loud influencer in Ghana, and a human rights lawyer in America for safe keeping.
The anti-LGBT bill, which seeks to criminalise and punish any person who identifies as or promotes LGBT rights in Ghana, has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups, civil society organisations, and some religious leaders. The bill is currently undergoing is expected to be passed by parliament soon.
An audio disclosing a conversation between Ghanaian open transgender musician and LGBTQ+ activist, Angel Maxine, and a purported Member of Parliament has surfaced.
The genesis of the conversation is unknown, but the brief conversation sees the male voice pleading with Angel to think about something he has requested. He further went on to assure her that her safety is guaranteed, as he has done on several occasions.
“Angel, please, you think about it. I’ve defended you, protected you before. Angel, don’t do this to me,” a male voice says in an Instagram post shared by Angel Maxine.
In her post, she also warned that all legislators and religious leaders will be dragged into the mud should Parliament pass the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
“We’re going down together, including the religious leaders,” she wrote.
Her warnings come in the wake of recent remarks by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, affirming that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will indeed be approved before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas break.
In an earlier post, she cautioned the MPs seeking to criminalise LGBTQ activities to be wary and focus on helping their constituents. She also accused some politicians of heavily engaging in same-sex activities.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo, check the Jubilee House well if there are no LGBTQ+ people working there. All you these so called politicians, you drive your cars, go and park at Labone secondary school, PRESEC, UPS and your pimps will arrange the boys and bring to you. They are peoples kids, yet their parents are on social media attacking queer people. Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, people you have molested, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper and they’re ready to talk,” she alleged.
“Pass the bill and I will show you your MPs who are LGBTQ+. You think I have not seen gay politicians? All the MPs who have been texting people to get them boys to sleep with. All of the politicians who have been begging pimps to hook them up with boys. All your chats and conversations are here (points to a pile of documents). Pass the bill and I will expose your family members and children who are queer people. All those queer celebrities, also cannot speak for themselves,” she added.
An audio disclosing a conversation between Ghanaian open transgender musician and LGBTQ+ activist, Angel Maxine, and a purported Member of Parliament has surfaced.
The genesis of the conversation is unknown, but the brief conversation sees the male voice pleading with Angel to think about something he has requested. He further went on to assure her that her safety is guaranteed, as he has done on several occasions.
“Angel, please, you think about it. I’ve defended you, protected you before. Angel, don’t do this to me,” a male voice says in an Instagram post shared by Angel Maxine.
In her post, she also warned that all legislators and religious leaders will be dragged into the mud should Parliament pass the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
“We’re going down together, including the religious leaders,” she wrote.
Her warnings come in the wake of recent remarks by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, affirming that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will indeed be approved before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas break.
In an earlier post, she cautioned the MPs seeking to criminalise LGBTQ activities to be wary and focus on helping their constituents. She also accused some politicians of heavily engaging in same-sex activities.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo, check the Jubilee House well if there are no LGBTQ+ people working there. All you these so called politicians, you drive your cars, go and park at Labone secondary school, PRESEC, UPS and your pimps will arrange the boys and bring to you. They are peoples kids, yet their parents are on social media attacking queer people. Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, people you have molested, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper and they’re ready to talk,” she alleged.
“Pass the bill and I will show you your MPs who are LGBTQ+. You think I have not seen gay politicians? All the MPs who have been texting people to get them boys to sleep with. All of the politicians who have been begging pimps to hook them up with boys. All your chats and conversations are here (points to a pile of documents). Pass the bill and I will expose your family members and children who are queer people. All those queer celebrities, also cannot speak for themselves,” she added.
Angel Maxine, a Ghanaian transwoman, has taken to Instagram to issue a bold challenge to politician Sam George, known for his stance on the anti-LGBT bill.
In a video captioned “This is a Subtle WARNING ⚠️,” Maxine directed a barrage of questions and criticisms at the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Mr George, questioning his achievements and calling out other politicians in the process.
In the video, Maxine questions George’s authority, asking, “Who is Sam George? Who is that idiot, who thinks he can dictate to Ghanaians?” Maxine goes on to critique George’s political record, challenging him to name his achievements and contributions to Ghana.
“You Sam George, you are all over the place like an Ashawo who just wants to be noticed. Who is that goat. Sam George, name your achievements. Name some of the things you have established in Ghana. What jobs have you created in Ghana? What jobs have you created in Ningo Prampram. Even Prampram you cannot fix it. Do you see how useless you are as a politician? Oh! You think I don’t know you? You think I don’t remember you? I remember those days when you used to follow E.T Mensah around like a puppet. Do you remember Apeku? King’s bar in Prampram. Apeku who is dead. Do you remember him?,” Angel said.
The transwoman expresses concern for the youth, highlighting issues of unemployment and the need for opportunities. Maxine accuses politicians, including George, of turning a blind eye to the struggles of the people and failing to address critical issues such as job creation and the high cost of living.
“Let me tell you something Sam George, the youth are suffering, the youth needs jobs, what opportunities have you created for the youths. People are qualified to get jobs, yet if it is not who they know, they can’t find jobs. There are so many jobless youths around. What are you doing about that situation? Before a woman finds a job, she has to sleep with her boss, to maintain a job, what are you doing about this situation. A lot of protests has gone on, with the high price of sanitary pads. What have you done about it? Tell Ghanaians. MTN is defrauding Ghanaians, what have you done about it,” he added.
Notably, Maxine takes aim at the politicians supporting the anti-LGBT bill, accusing them of hypocrisy and engaging in questionable behavior. Maxine claims to possess evidence of conversations with gay politicians and threatens to expose them if the bill is passed.
“Look at the stress Ghanians are going through, look at the high cost of living in Ghana, look at a bunch of old fools, old criminals, old thieves, following a small boy, your son to pass a bill that will affect you yourselves,”
In a direct challenge to George, Maxine dares him to pass the bill, asserting that the consequences will be severe. The transwoman vows to reveal information about politicians involved in clandestine activities, alleging that she has shared this evidence with legal professionals for safekeeping.
As tensions rise over the anti-LGBT bill, Angel Maxine’s bold challenge adds a new dimension to the debate, raising questions about the motivations behind the proposed legislation and the personal lives of those supporting it. The spotlight is now on Sam George and other politicians as they face a daring confrontation from an outspoken advocate for the transgender community.
Speaker Bagbin accused of incest#INDNews Anas Aremeyaw Anas | Legon | John Mahama #UPSA Landlord | Legon | 22nd December | Bawumia | Kasoa pic.twitter.com/cQc05wNT1U
An audio recording has emerged, revealing a conversation between Angel Maxine, a Ghanaian open transgender musician and LGBTQ+ activist, and an alleged Member of Parliament.
The origin of the conversation is unclear, but in the brief exchange, the male voice is heard urging Angel to consider a request.
Additionally, the speaker reassures Angel of her safety, a claim he asserts to have emphasized on multiple occasions.
“Angel, please, you think about it. I’ve defended you, protected you before. Angel, don’t do this to me,” a male voice says in an Instagram post shared by Angel Maxine.
In her post, she also warned that all legislators and religious leaders will be dragged into the mud should Parliament pass the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
“We’re going down together, including the religious leaders,” she wrote.
Her warnings come in the wake of recent remarks by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, affirming that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will indeed be approved before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas break.
In an earlier post, she cautioned the MPs seeking to criminalise LGBTQ activities to be wary and focus on helping their constituents. She also accused some politicians of heavily engaging in same-sex activities.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo, check the Jubilee House well if there are no LGBTQ+ people working there. All you these so called politicians, you drive your cars, go and park at Labone secondary school, PRESEC, UPS and your pimps will arrange the boys and bring to you. They are peoples kids, yet their parents are on social media attacking queer people. Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, people you have molested, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper and they’re ready to talk,” she alleged.
“Pass the bill and I will show you your MPs who are LGBTQ+. You think I have not seen gay politicians? All the MPs who have been texting people to get them boys to sleep with. All of the politicians who have been begging pimps to hook them up with boys. All your chats and conversations are here (points to a pile of documents). Pass the bill and I will expose your family members and children who are queer people. All those queer celebrities, also cannot speak for themselves,” she added.
Ghanaian open transgender musician and LGBTQ+ activist, Angel Maxine, has warned that all legislators and religious leaders involved in same-sex activities will be dragged into the mud should Parliament pass the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
She made the threat in an Instagram post where she shared an audio recording of a conversation between herself and a purported Member of Parliament who is interested in her.
“We’re going down together, including the religious leaders,” she wrote.
The genesis of the conversation is unknown, but the brief conversation sees the male voice pleading with Angel to think about something he has requested. He further went on to assure her that her safety is guaranteed, as he has done on several occasions.
“Angel, please, you think about it. I’ve defended you, protected you before. Angel, don’t do this to me,” a male voice says in an Instagram post shared by Angel Maxine.
Her warnings come in the wake of recent remarks by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, affirming that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will indeed be approved before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas break.
In an earlier post, she cautioned the MPs seeking to criminalise LGBTQ activities to be wary and focus on helping their constituents. She also accused some politicians of heavily engaging in same-sex activities.
'Angel, please think about it' – Alleged LGBTQ MP begs transgender musician, Angel Maxine#INDNews Twe Twe | Christian BBL | Ursula Owusu | Harmattan | Dr Bawumia | HIPC #RIPZahara First Lady | Jackie Appiah pic.twitter.com/11pyhYf0BN
“President Nana Akufo-Addo, check the Jubilee House well if there are no LGBTQ+ people working there. All you these so called politicians, you drive your cars, go and park at Labone secondary school, PRESEC, UPS and your pimps will arrange the boys and bring to you. They are peoples kids, yet their parents are on social media attacking queer people. Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, people you have molested, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper and they’re ready to talk,” she alleged.
“Pass the bill and I will show you your MPs who are LGBTQ+. You think I have not seen gay politicians? All the MPs who have been texting people to get them boys to sleep with. All of the politicians who have been begging pimps to hook them up with boys. All your chats and conversations are here (points to a pile of documents). Pass the bill and I will expose your family members and children who are queer people. All those queer celebrities, also cannot speak for themselves,” she added.
An audio disclosing a conversation between Ghanaian open transgender musician and LGBTQ+ activist, Angel Maxine, and a purported Member of Parliament has surfaced.
The genesis of the conversation is unknown, but the brief conversation sees the male voice pleading with Angel to think about something he has requested. He further went on to assure her that her safety is guaranteed, as he has done on several occasions.
“Angel, please, you think about it. I’ve defended you, protected you before. Angel, don’t do this to me,” a male voice says in an Instagram post shared by Angel Maxine.
In her post, she also warned that all legislators and religious leaders will be dragged into the mud should Parliament pass the Promotion of Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
“We’re going down together, including the religious leaders,” she wrote.
Her warnings come in the wake of recent remarks by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, affirming that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will indeed be approved before Parliament adjourns for the Christmas break.
In an earlier post, she cautioned the MPs seeking to criminalise LGBTQ activities to be wary and focus on helping their constituents. She also accused some politicians of heavily engaging in same-sex activities.
“President Nana Akufo-Addo, check the Jubilee House well if there are no LGBTQ+ people working there. All you these so called politicians, you drive your cars, go and park at Labone secondary school, PRESEC, UPS and your pimps will arrange the boys and bring to you. They are peoples kids, yet their parents are on social media attacking queer people. Do you think we don’t know? People you have abused, people you have molested, people who are hurt, everything is on this paper and they’re ready to talk,” she alleged.
“Pass the bill and I will show you your MPs who are LGBTQ+. You think I have not seen gay politicians? All the MPs who have been texting people to get them boys to sleep with. All of the politicians who have been begging pimps to hook them up with boys. All your chats and conversations are here (points to a pile of documents). Pass the bill and I will expose your family members and children who are queer people. All those queer celebrities, also cannot speak for themselves,” she added.
Parliament faced a deadlock over determining the appropriate penalty for individuals engaged in unnatural carnal knowledge within the LGBTQ+ community.
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill proposes criminalizing same-sex relations, as well as relations between a person and an animal or object, suggesting a penalty ranging from three to five years.
However, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee recommended a maximum jail term of three years without specifying a minimum sentence.
The Committee Chairman elucidated the rationale behind the proposal on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.
“Most of the religious bodies were supporting the fact that they would give people who are prepared to go through reforms, the opportunity to go through. If we make a strict law that if you are found guilty, or you practice this, you don’t have an option. Mr. Speaker, we don’t have a community service that would have been more severe than giving the person a custodial sentence, because the society will look down upon you.
“But to caution you or to give you deserve imprisonment or imprisonment, if we leave it to the discretion of the judge, they are also members of this society, they are learned, and depending on the circumstances, that’s why I am comfortable if we give the upper limit without saying that the person must be imprisoned as a minimum requirement.”
Bill sponsor Sam George emphasized the importance of guidance on penalty units to determine the corresponding severity of the sanction.
Background:
The contentious LGBT bill, introduced on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, as a private member’s bill, involves eight MPs seeking to criminalize the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality in Ghana.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has expressed its support for the passage of the LGBTQ+ Bill, asserting that it should become law to safeguard authentic Ghanaian family values perceived to be at risk due to homosexual acts.
The GCBC commended the country’s Parliament for dedicating effort and time to develop the bill, which, upon enactment, is expected to advocate for appropriate human sexual rights and impose punitive measures proportional to the act of homosexuality.
This stance was conveyed in a statement signed and issued in Accra by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the President of GCBC and Catholic Bishop of Sunyani.
“We can state that the draft bill on “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values 2021” currently in Parliament is in the right direction, as it seeks to enact laws against criminal homosexual acts.
According to the Conference, the promotion of same-sex marriage threatens the country’s population.
“The lawmakers may decide that a man marrying a man or a woman marrying a woman is not in the interest of the nation since, in the long term, it will affect the size of the population of our country if many people do this.
In such a case, the lawmakers will be within their rights to enact laws against that. In such cases, it will be right for the lawmakers to criminalise such homosexual actions by punitive measures,” the statement added.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has outlined its perspective on homosexuality, stating that while the Church deems homosexual acts as sins, the State, using different language, may view them as potentially harmful to society. The GCBC acknowledges that the State has the responsibility to implement measures it considers necessary for safeguarding the nation.
In this context, if the State perceives homosexual acts as detrimental to the interests and well-being of the nation, the GCBC believes it is appropriate to introduce punitive measures to address such situations.
“The long-held teaching of the Roman Catholic Church has been that while homosexual people are to be loved and respected and not be discriminated against, homosexual acts are intrinsically immoral and must be condemned,” the statement added.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has been accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor and sleeping with his wife’s sister by some pro-LGBTQ campaigners.
The accusations were made by Ghanaian musician Deborah Vanessa, also known as Sister Deborah, and transgender musician and activist Angel Maxine, on social media.
Sister Deborah revealed the allegations in the comments section of an Instagram video posted by @angelmaxinetv.
The video was about Angel Maxine’s threats to expose some Members of Parliament (MPs) who are involved in LGBTQ practices, if they allow the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Sister Deborah expressed support for Angel Maxine and claimed that the Speaker was guilty of pedophilia and incest.
“The Bagbin nu, dem say ebe minor sef he sleep with o. That’s pedophilia and that’s the real crime here,” she wrote.
Speaker Bagbin accused of sleeping with a minor over LGBTQ campaign#INDNews Anas Aremeyaw Anas | Legon | John Mahama #UPSA Landlord | Legon | 22nd December | Bawumia | Kasoa pic.twitter.com/Sa1vb0WUFK
Angel Maxine also repeated the allegations in the video, calling the Speaker an “old fool” and saying that his children and family should be disappointed in him.
“Alan Bagbin you are such an old fool and your children and family should be disappointed in you. You, who did incest, you who slept with your wife’s sister, even you, you are walking freely. You are not imprisoned,” she said.
The anti-gay bill, officially known as the Promotion of Appropriate Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021, seeks to criminalize various aspects of homosexuality, including its promotion, advocacy, funding, and the acts themselves. The bill imposes severe penalties, with LGBTQ advocates facing up to ten years in prison, and self-identifying individuals potentially facing three years of incarceration. The bill also seeks to withhold health services, including HIV medication, from the LGBTQ community.
The primary sponsor of the bill, Sam Nartey George, argues that homosexuality is not a human right but a lifestyle choice. He warned against U.S. interference, threatening potential impacts on Ghana’s business interests.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, strongly opposes LGBTQ practices and maintains that the bill aligns with constitutional provisions and international obligations.
However, human rights organizations, such as Rightify Ghana, contend that the bill undermines progress in HIV/AIDS efforts and constitutes a violation of basic LGBTQ rights. These concerns echo those raised by the UNAIDS program in 2021.
It’s essential to note that these claims are not verified and remain allegations from individuals who purport to have proof.
Speaker Bagbin accused of incest#INDNews Anas Aremeyaw Anas | Legon | John Mahama #UPSA Landlord | Legon | 22nd December | Bawumia | Kasoa pic.twitter.com/cQc05wNT1U
Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill: Speaker Bagbin accused of sleeping with a minor
"The Bagbin nu, dem say ebe minor sef he sleep with o. That's pedophilia and that's the real crime here," Sister Derby claimed.#INDNews Anas Aremeyaw Anas | Legon | John Mahama #UPSA Landlord | Legon | 22nd… pic.twitter.com/nWzotU9wiU
Three weeks ago, a preview of the movie Kaathal: The Core, which is in the Malayalam language and stars Indian actor Mammootty, was released on YouTube.
It didn’t reveal much about the main problem in the movie but it started conversations in Kerala, where the movie is from. A famous actor playing a gay role got a lot of attention from fans, critics, and commentators.
No Indian actor with 50 years of experience and three National Film Awards, and a huge fan base, had ever played a role like this before.
Jeo Baby, who made The Great Indian Kitchen movie about patriarchy, directed the movie Kaathal which got people talking.
The movie is about a man who is secretly gay and married to a woman. Mathew, played by Mammootty, is getting ready to run in an election in his town. But his wife Omana, played by Jyothika, wants to divorce him because she thinks he is gay. The movie shows how the case affects their family and community in many different ways.
“I wanted to make a film about how LGBTQ people live with us and how they fit into our families,” Baby told the BBC.
The movie needed a talented actor like Mammootty to act in it. He also produced the movie. “He quickly understood the movie and was ready to take on the role. ”
The reviews say that the shows in Kerala were really good, and all the tickets were sold out.
The social media posts for Kaathal’s posters and trailer, including the ones shared on Mammootty’s accounts, encouraged people to leave comments. Some people who are against LGBT people asked others to not watch the movie and criticized the actor for his part in the film. Muslim leaders didn’t like how LGBTQ people were shown in the movie and were worried it would influence young people.
The makers and Mammootty might get criticized for this, according to Athul PV, who helps organize the Kerala Queer Pride.
“A lot of people admire him as an actor, so when he plays this character, you can tell he really thought about picking this role and making the film,” Athul says.
A lot of people in the LGBTQ community in the state liked how the movie showed the life of a married gay man in a caring way.
“The movie might have some flaws, but it’s a brave effort,” said Prijith PK, who started Queerythm, a group that supports the community.
Even though Kerala is a developed state with high literacy, it still has many areas that are traditional and male-dominated.
Roshni Prabhakaran, who studies how men and women are shown in movies, says there are not enough movies that show the LGBTQ community in a thoughtful way.
Malayalam movies have sometimes shown characters who seem to be queer since the 1970s, but one of the first big movies with a queer character was in the 2005 film Chanthupottu.
The movie shows a man who starts off as more feminine and then becomes more masculine. It got a lot of people mad because the movie spread wrong ideas, even though the person who made it said the character wasn’t gay. Activists said that the title of the movie was often used as an insult for transgender people. “Chanthupottu” means a red dot worn on the forehead.
Athul thinks Chanthupottu had a bad effect. “It made people think that this is how queer people are. ”
Lately, famous actors from Kerala have been acting as gay characters in movies.
Prof Prabhakaran says that Nivin Pauly’s movie Moothon got a lot of attention at film festivals but didn’t do so well with the general public. However, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s 2013 movie Mumbai Police received negative feedback for its portrayal of shame and homophobia, despite having a popular actor in the lead role.
Many people say that Kaathal is very different in that way. Professor Prabhakaran said we have not seen a closeted man coming out of a heterosexual marriage in Malayalam cinema before.
Gay men who have seen Kaathal, say that it’s obvious the movie was made with the help of the LGBTQ+ community.
The movie doesn’t discriminate against LGBTQ people like many other movies do, according to Prijith, who is a diversity and inclusion manager in Kerala.
“Kaathal is like saying sorry for how queer people have been treated unfairly and shown wrongly in Malayalam movies. ”
Mammootty’s strong presence affects both the movie and how people like it. Even though the actor is known for making his characters seem serious and deep, some of the movies he’s been in also have old-fashioned ideas and mistreatment of women.
In 2016, the actor got in trouble with the state’s women’s commission because his movie Kasaba had disrespectful dialogues about women. The commission said that if an actor like Mammootty delivers poor dialogues, it could make people think it’s okay and that’s not good.
“Prijith says Kaathal is being himself and undoing the tough, strong, arrogant character he usually plays in his movies. ”
Recently, Mammootty has been trying to make his mark by making movies under his own company and trying new things that may not be very popular with the audience.
In a recent interview, he said that every new Malayalam film is like a test to see what the audience likes. They try out new actors, new story topics, and new types of films.
“I believe this is why the Indian film industry admires Malayalam cinema the most. ” Of course, I also want my movies to be part of this experience.
Kaathal is about “a lot of men in our society,” according to Prijith.
“The movie shows that these are people who live in our houses. “
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has shot down claims suggesting that he has close relations with individuals in the LGBTQ community.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate aspirant for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, John Mantse Akwetey, has alleged that the incumbent MP, Sam Nartey George, is not being entirely honest with Ghanaians in his quest to have Parliament pass the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, November 29, monitored by The Independent Ghana, John Mantse Akwetey accused Sam George of having close affiliation with a member of the LGBTQ community.
According to Mr Mantse Akwetey, Sam George’s campaign manager is a homosexual. He referred to the residents of Prampram as the source of this information.
“When we talk about LGBTQ, I don’t want to go there. But the sort of hypocrisy Sam George exhibits is overwhelming. Ask everybody in Prampram who Sam George’s campaign manager is and his sexual orientation.
“It is an open secret in the town of Prampram. Everybody knows it. So when you see a character like Sam George, jumping from place to place,” Mr Mantse Akwetey said.
Despite being informed of the risk of defaming an individual, Mr Akwetey reiterated his allegation.
“Send your reporters to Prampram and make your own judgement. I’m sitting on live television and I’m telling you. Sam George’s hypocrisy is untold. Your personal person is a known gay in Prampram. Why don’t you deal with his first?” he stressed.
But Sam George noted that such an individual does not exist as he manages his campaign independently. Also, during an interview on JoyNews on Thursday, November 30, he said: “Yesterday I got calls about the ranting made here. I think you should have stopped him midway. But that said, he made unsubstantiated claims about individuals. You should have asked him to name names.”
“Let me say emphatically here. There is no one in Ningo-Prampram who doesn’t know me. I don’t have campaign managers. I’ve never had campaign manager in 2015 when I contested E. T. Mensah, not in 2016 when I contested Sylvester Tetteh, not in 2019 when I contested Michael Tetteh, not in 2020 when I contested Alex Martey and not in 2023. I run my campaign myself. I am my own head of security.”
He described Mr Mantse as a “liar, dishonest person who cannot bear the title Honourable”.
Mr Sam George added; “He is attacking me because he thinks it will give him some legitimacy in the NPP. He wants my attention
The Ningo-Prampram MP has noted that he is engaging his legal counsel to know the best action to take against Mr Mantse.
This is not the first time such a claim has been made, and Sam George admitted this fact.
Michael Tettey Kwetey, a former Ningo-Prampram NDC Parliamentary aspirant also made such a claim ahead of the NDC Parliamentary primaries that saw him lose to Sam George.
“In his campaign, a known gay is the chairman of his campaign. All his political meetings are held in the residence of that known gay,” he said.
Mr Kwetey also alleged that a lesbian is also a part of Sam George’s campaign team.
According to Sam George, Mr Kwetey and himself were summoned by the leadership of the NDC, where Mr Kwetey was asked to provide evidence for his claim. Sam George noted that his contender failed to do so and was directed to render an unqualified apology.
Sam George is one of the sponsors of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. He has been vocal on calls for the immediate passing of the bill that seeks to criminalize and impose severe penalties on the practice and promotion of homosexuality.
In his fight against the LGBTQ community, Sam George has been accused by Ghanaian musician Wanlov the Kubolor of being sponsored by an American organization to advocate for anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Ghana.
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill was laid in the house on March 30, 2023, by the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a clarification regarding its stance on Ghana’s proposed anti-gay legislation, which aims to criminalize and impose severe penalties on the practice and promotion of homosexuality.
In a letter addressed to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs of Parliament, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale and President of the Conference, conveyed the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s support for the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill in principle.
Portions of the letter said, “We, the Catholic Bishops of Ghana, write in support of the draft Bill presented to Parliament to make homosexual practices illegal in Ghana. Our voice needs to be heard on this matter not only because, in our view, it is morally unacceptable but also because according to the 2010 population census, the Catholic Church in Ghana constitutes a sizable percentage of the population, i.e., about 13.1 percent of the population of Ghana.”
The Bishops substantiated their position by referencing the teachings of the Bible regarding homosexuality and emphasizing the perspective on the act as perceived by God.
“The Bible, which is foundational to Christian beliefs and practices, condemns the practice,” the letter noted.
Despite supporting the passage of the anti-gay bill, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference acknowledged concerns about the potential physical harm that homosexual individuals might face if the legislation is enacted.
The bishops, aligning with others who have spoken out against the bill, expressed apprehension about the risk of harassment and harm to individuals based on their sexual orientation.
The Church emphasized that it is not condoning any form of mistreatment or harassment directed at homosexuals.
“The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law. Homosexuals must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. According to Pope Francis, the homosexual person needs to be “respected in his or her dignity and treated with consideration, and ‘every sign of unjust discrimination’ is to be carefully avoided, particularly any form of aggression or violence” (Amoris Laetitia 250). Families with LGBT members need “respectful pastoral guidance” from the church and its pastors so that gays and lesbians can fully carry out God’s will in their lives (Amoris Laetitia 250)” the letter concluded.
The controversial bill came under renewed scrutiny following a warning from the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, who cautioned that the country might face significant economic challenges if the legislation, aimed at banning LGBTQ+ activities, is enacted.
A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) indicates that a majority of Ghanaians support the bill.
A sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill and MP for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has expressed the view that Ghana stands to lose nothing if the United States of America (USA) decides to sever business ties.
He argued that the U.S. benefits more from trade relations with Ghana, making any legislation to terminate such ties a disadvantage for them.
Speaking on JoyFM on Monday evening, he said, “There is more trade coming into Ghana than Ghanaian trade going into the US. We are in a trade deficit doing business with the US.
“If the United States decides to stop doing business with Ghana, it’s the United States that is going to suffer not Ghana.”
His remarks follow the statement from the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, who expressed concerns that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill could complicate efforts to promote Ghana as an investment and trade destination. Palmer noted that the legislation might result in decreased foreign exchange inflows, negatively impact Ghana’s financial standing, and limit workforce options, affecting businesses.
In response, the Ningo-Prampram MP stated that Ghana has the flexibility to engage in business with other nations. He expressed minimal concern about potential revenue implications, emphasizing the country’s ability to pursue alternative trade partnerships.
“And whatever business we do with them, the US should be well aware that we are in a global world – China is ready to do business with us, Russia is ready to do business with us. Again when the US Ambassador peddles such untruth, someone holding such a high office is unbecoming of her unless she is a lobbyist or spokesperson of the LGBTQ + community,” he said.
Additionally, the legislator contested the US Ambassador’s statement asserting that the best individuals in a workforce come from the LGBTQ+ communities, stating that such a claim was not grounded in facts. Mr. George took the opportunity to remind Madam Palmer that she lacked the authority to interfere in the decisions and plans of her host country.
“That Article 42 of the Vienna Convention, whether she is the US Ambassador or not, cannot conduct herself in a manner that is offensive to her host country and so we are serving notice to her to respect our rules but if she does not respect our rules we are going to organise a demonstration against her and insist that the American government changes her because she is pushing an agenda that is not the official position of the US government.”
He added that if the US decides to end business relations with Ghana, “so be it, they are not the only country in the world.”
Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Sam Nartey George, has earned praise from a segment of the public for his speech at the 5th Transatlantic Summit held by the Political Network for Values at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Many Ghanaians commend the MP for championing Ghanaian and African values, particularly on issues related to gender, sexuality, and marriage.
During his approximately 6-minute address, Sam George emphatically asserted that Ghanaian and African cultures recognise only marriage between a man and a woman.
He further articulated that the sex of an individual, often confused with gender, is determined by God at birth and cannot be reassigned after birth.
“…Sex is a biological construct that transcends race, ethnicity, religion and jurisdictional jurisprudence. Sex is binary – either male or female. God determines it at the moment of conception. A foetus carries either the XY or XX chromosomes, determining whether it is born male or female. From my beloved Ningo-Prampram Constituency in Accra to New York and Rio de Janeiro to Madrid or Delhi to Perth, the interpretation of XY and XX is constant.
“Gender, on the other hand, is a social construct that has evolved based on the peculiarities of various societies. From the onset, matching the binary nature of sex, we see different recognitions of gender across the world today.
“There is no universality in the concept of gender, as gender is highly fluid, and as such, gender cannot form the basis for any convention, covenant or treaty that seeks to be globally acceptable and binding.
“This is the basis for my avowed position that the letter and spirit of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights is apt and meets the needs of our global world today. It emphasises in Article 2 the Rights and freedoms outlined in the Declaration and is clear that there shall be no distinction based on SEX. Yes, it says SEX, not gender. This is definite and must be defended by all progressive forces.”
A 33-year-old Nigerian man, Saheed Azeez, who secured refugee status in the UK under the pretext of being gay has not only had three children with different women, but has also orchestrated a £220,000 parcel fraud via Facebook and eBay.
Saheed Azeez, who claimed he faced persecution by Boko Haram militants in his home country, was sentenced to six years in prison at Bolton Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and plotting to possess criminal property.
Azeez, residing in Wigan, collaborated with Nigerian fraudsters to establish an intricate network for a well-resourced scam.
The modus operandi involved convincing sellers on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp to send high-value items to various addresses with the promise of payment upon delivery.
However, Azeez would intercept the goods, selling them through his brother’s electronics shop.
Over 14 months, Azeez, in collaboration with his associates, persuaded up to 272 victims to send goods worth a total of £220,000 to strangers’ homes. These individuals were promised a share of the proceeds in exchange for receiving the fraudulently obtained items.
Azeez was tracked down by the police while dropping off one of his young sons at a primary school. During the arrest, he reportedly concealed three smartphones, integral to the scam, in the child’s school bag.
The phones reportedly contained incriminating videos, including one sent to an underworld contact named ‘Baddest Boy,’ showcasing stolen smartphones.
Having admitted to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and plotting to possess criminal property, Azeez is set to be sentenced next week, facing a potential six-year jail term.
Nine individuals who allowed their addresses to be used as ‘drops’ in the scam will, according to reports, be sentenced next year.
Ghanaian media personality and mental health advocate, Abena Korkor, recently disclosed on her Twitter account that she identifies as bisexual, emphasizing that there is no shame in being one.
This revelation, made on October 11, 2023, followed a tweet by Nigerian news blog YabaLeftOnline regarding allegations made by Will Smith’s former assistant, Brother Bilaal, about an incident involving Will Smith and Duane Martin.
In her tweet, Abena Korkor stated, “There is no shame in being a bisexual. I am one.”
Abena Korkor, formerly a co-host of TV3’s Ladies Circle, known for providing a platform for women to discuss their challenges, faced dismissal from the media organization in June 2023 after sharing a video of herself in lingerie on social media.
As a mental health advocate diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Abena Korkor has been outspoken about her condition and its impact on her life. She has also been involved in various controversies, including leaking a list of men she allegedly had encounters with and sharing explicit content online.
Abena Korkor’s announcement of her bisexuality coincides with Ghana’s consideration of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
Proposed by eight MPs in June 2023 and garnering unanimous support in Parliament, the bill aims to impose restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, criminalizing advocacy, promotion, funding, and acts of homosexuality, with penalties ranging from six months to ten years of imprisonment.
The bill also seeks to prohibit trans healthcare, the formation of LGBTQ+ groups, sponsorship of LGBTQ+ activities, teaching LGBTQ+ issues in schools, and adoption and fostering by LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, it grants the government the authority to extradite individuals convicted under the bill.
This proposed legislation has faced widespread criticism from human rights groups, civil society organizations, religious bodies, celebrities, and foreign diplomats, who argue that it is discriminatory, unconstitutional, and violates international law. Concerns have also been raised about its potential to fuel violence, stigma, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and undermine efforts against HIV and AIDS.
Abena Korkor has not yet addressed the implications of her revelation considering the anti-lqbtq bill. Her disclosure has elicited mixed reactions from followers and fans.
The United States has released a business advisory on Monday, cautioning companies about potential risks when operating in Uganda.
The advisory pointed to concerns related to the country’s anti-LGBTQ law, which has faced condemnation from numerous countries and international organizations, including the United Nations.
This advisory was jointly issued by multiple U.S. government agencies, including the Departments of State, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Commerce, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ law, regarded as one of the world’s strictest, was enacted in May. It includes the death penalty for what is termed “aggravated homosexuality,” which encompasses offenses such as transmitting HIV through same-sex relations. The law has triggered strong opposition from Western governments, including the United States, and has jeopardized Uganda’s receipt of significant foreign aid funds.
The legislation also imposes severe penalties for entities, such as media outlets and non-governmental organizations, that are found to be promoting LGBTQ activities. These penalties include heavy fines for supporting LGBTQ causes. Furthermore, the law stipulates life imprisonment for same-sex sexual activity and a 20-year prison sentence for the promotion of homosexuality.
This advisory serves as a warning for businesses regarding the legal environment in Uganda, particularly the potential implications and risks associated with the country’s anti-LGBTQ legislation.
“Uganda’s enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) on May 29, 2023, further increases restrictions on human rights, to include restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and exacerbates issues regarding the respect for leases and employment contracts,” the U.S. government’s business advisory said.
Following the law’s passage, the U.S. State Department placed restrictions on Ugandan officials’ ability to travel in June.
Additionally, the State Department revised its travel advisory for Americans visiting Uganda to emphasize the possibility that LGBTQ individuals may face legal action and be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty in accordance with existing legislation.
Rights organizations claim that a barrage of abuse directed primarily at private individuals against LGBTQ persons has been unleashed by the law.
India’s highest court has made an important decision to support the rights of the LGBTQ community. However, they have not officially approved same-sex marriages.
The ruling is a small win for LGBTQ Indians who have been fighting for equal rights as citizens in the biggest democracy in the world.
A group of five top judges, including the chief justice of India, made an important decision on Tuesday. The Supreme Court broadcasted the decision live, while many people gathered outside to listen.
A group of over twelve people from the LGBTQ community have raised objections against a law that prevents them from getting legally married.
The ruling marks the end of a long and difficult legal fight for equal rights in a country where being gay is still considered unacceptable.
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New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Agyapong has stated his stance on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) activities.
According to him, such practises have no place within the confines of his household.
Speaking in an interview on Starr FM on October 5, 2023, Kennedy Agyapong posited that he is a traditionalist, and as a result, such activities contradict his standards.
He was asked by host Bola Ray: “If one of your children comes over to you and says he or she now identifies as gay, what will be your reaction or response?”
Ken responded, “Look, I am a traditionalist. I don’t want to hear that nonsense.”
When asked to repeat his response, Agyapong reinforced his stance by reiterating, “I am a traditionist, case closed.”
“So, if they should come to you and identify as gay?” The host asked again.
To this, Agyapong responded with a tone of finality, “You dare not, case closed. I am a traditionalist; you dare not.”
In Ghana, there is significant public support for LGBTQ+ practises, even as an anti-gay bill aiming to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities is currently under consideration by the Ghanaian parliament.
Kennedy Agyapong is set to compete for the flagbearership alongside three other contenders: Dr. Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
An anti-gay demonstration is currently underway outside the Supreme Court in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.
Numerous civil society and religious organizations are venting their frustration over a recent court ruling permitting the registration of gay and lesbian associations within the country.
Among the protesters, some are brandishing signs demanding the resignation of the Supreme Court judges.
A decade ago, a government-funded entity rejected the registration of an LGBTQ rights organization, citing the promotion of same-sex conduct in a nation where homosexual activity remains illegal.
However, this year, judges overturned that decision.
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has called on religious leaders to advocate for what he terms as traditional values.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated his position on gender identity during a speech on Wednesday, asserting what he deemed “common sense” that “a man is a man and a woman is a woman.”
This statement drew criticism from transgender rights activists while receiving enthusiastic applause from attendees at the Conservative Party Conference.
In addition to his remarks on gender identity, Sunak made other policy statements that he believed “shouldn’t be controversial.” These included a commitment to legislation ensuring that “sexual and sadistic” killers would receive life sentences and a call for greater transparency in education, allowing parents to have knowledge of what their children are being taught about relationships in school.
“Patients should know when hospitals are talking about men or women,” Sunak continued during his closing speech at his party’s annual gathering, held this year in Manchester. “And we shouldn’t get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be. They can’t. A man is a man and a woman is a woman — that’s just common sense.”
In April, Sunak drew attention when he concurred with a conservative interviewer’s assertion that all women, rather than 99 percent of them, “do not possess a penis.”
During that earlier incident, his tone was less confrontational as he emphasized the importance of compassion, understanding, and tolerance for those exploring their gender identity. However, he underscored his belief that the concept of biological sex remains fundamentally significant in discussions related to women’s rights and spaces.
In June, PinkNews, a British news outlet specializing in LGBTQ+ coverage, accused Sunak of ridiculing trans women. The outlet released what it claimed was a surreptitiously recorded video of the prime minister engaged in a conversation with conservative MPs.
In the video, a man purported to be Sunak is heard making a jest about Liberal Democrats party leader Ed Davey, suggesting that he has been occupied with trying to “persuade everyone that women unquestionably possess male anatomy.”
“You all know I’m a big fan of everybody studying maths at 18, but it turns out that we need to focus on biology,” the man in the video said.
A spokesperson for the prime minister defended those comments, saying it was “a joke aimed at a political opponent rather than a specific group.”
“We now have a British government and a prime minister that has said that it doesn’t recognize trans people,” Willoughby said. “If you don’t acknowledge a group of people exist, then obviously that group of people don’t have rights.”
More than 2,800 potential transgender hate crimes were reported between September 2001 and February 2022, according to data from the Metropolitan Police Service in Greater London. The number of reported incidents significantly increased starting in the mid-2010s, jumping from 75 incidents in 2013 to 428 in 2021.
