TIG Post

Tag: LGBTQI

  • Supreme Court to give final verdict on anti-LGBTQI case today

    Supreme Court to give final verdict on anti-LGBTQI case today

    The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its verdict today, Wednesday, December 18, on two pivotal lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill.

    The ruling is anticipated to have far-reaching consequences for the country’s legal framework and human rights landscape, following months of contentious public debate and political division.

    Supporters and critics of the bill are eagerly awaiting the decision, with both sides voicing their strong positions on the matter.

    The proposed law, which seeks to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI advocacy, has been heavily criticized by human rights organizations, who argue that it infringes on freedoms such as expression and association.

    However, the bill has received significant backing from religious and traditional groups, who view it as essential to protecting Ghana’s cultural and family values from the perceived imposition of foreign ideologies.

    Should the bill become law, it would impose penalties on those who promote or financially support LGBTQI activities, and extend criminal liability to individuals offering indirect support, intensifying the debate about the rights of the LGBTQI community in the country.

    While proponents believe the bill is crucial for preserving societal morals, opponents argue it violates basic human rights and contradicts the principles of equality under the law.

    The legal challenges were brought by Richard Dela Sky, a journalist and lawyer, and Amanda Odoi, a lawyer and advocate for inclusion, who assert that the bill’s passage was unconstitutional. They argue that Parliament failed to meet the required quorum, as stipulated in Articles 102 and 104 of the Constitution, during the legislative process.

    The plaintiffs maintain that the lack of a valid quorum during the bill’s passage renders it legally invalid and unconstitutional.

  • Ghana’s public health, economy will be undermined by anti-gay bill – US

    Ghana’s public health, economy will be undermined by anti-gay bill – US

    The passage of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill, has raised concerns from the United States of America.

    The bill was approved by Ghana’s Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, following extensive debates, contributions, and some opposition.

    In a statement, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed worry about the potential impact of the bill on Ghana’s public health, media, civic spaces, and economy.

    He emphasized that the legislation threatens Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights. Miller called for a review of the bill to safeguard the rights of all individuals in Ghana, citing its inconsistency with the country’s values.

    The spokesperson highlighted the bill’s provisions that criminalize individuals identifying as LGBTQI+ and those who fail to report them, stating that limiting the rights of one group undermines the rights of all.

    Miller echoed the voices of Ghanaians urging a review of the bill’s constitutionality and warned of the potential harm to business and economic growth in Ghana due to international opposition against discrimination.

    In conclusion, Miller emphasized that Ghana’s tradition of tolerance and respect for human rights, which has served as a model globally, could be undermined if the legislation becomes law.

    The United States stands troubled by the legislation and advocates for the protection of constitutionally protected freedoms in Ghana.

    “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.”

    She added, “Lots of ethnic communities make Ghana strong, stable, and attractive for investments. I hope it stays that way with regard to the LGBTQ community. They should be managed to be made the colour of the money green or red if it’s Ghanaian, but if there is discrimination, then that will send a signal not to [only] LGBTQ investors and exporters but to other American companies that Ghana is less welcoming than I am telling people that it is now.”

  • Passage of anti-gay bill was supported by majority of NPP MPs – Sam George

    Passage of anti-gay bill was supported by majority of NPP MPs – Sam George

    Advocate for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed substantial support among Members of Parliament for the anti-LGBTQI legislation.

    The Ningo-Prampram MP thanked Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu for his pivotal role in the bill’s passage, emphasizing overwhelming bipartisan backing within the house.

    Addressing reporters in Accra after the bill’s approval, Sam George urged the President to grant assent, highlighting the widespread legislative support.

    Amendments were made, including Sam George’s proposal to subject clauses 10 and 11 to media freedom provisions in the constitution, which the House approved.

    However, a motion by Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to subject clause 12, dealing with LGBT activities’ funding, to the constitution was negated. Despite the Board Chair of CDD-Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, calling on President Akufo-Addo to reject the bill, Parliament passed it.

    Professor Gadzekpo argued that the legislation undermines fundamental human rights, warning of potential threats to Ghana’s democratic principles.

    The bill now awaits presidential assent, with uncertainty about President Nana Akufo-Addo’s stance.

    The United Nations warned in 2021 that the proposed law could lead to state-sponsored discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Uganda’s similar law in 2023, including the death penalty, faced global criticism and funding suspension by the World Bank.

  • You could lose American investors if anti-LGBTQI bill is passed – US Ambassador to Akufo-Addo

    You could lose American investors if anti-LGBTQI bill is passed – US Ambassador to Akufo-Addo

    The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has issued a cautionary message to Ghana regarding the pending anti-gay bill currently under consideration in Parliament.

    She emphasized that if the bill is approved, it could potentially deter investors, including those from the LGBTQI community and other American businesses, from engaging with Ghana.

    Palmer praised Ghana as a nation known for its inclusivity, tolerance, and social harmony, factors that contribute to its stability and attractiveness for investments.

    She expressed her hope that these qualities would continue to extend to the LGBTQI community.

    Palmer stressed the financial opportunities that exist, noting that money knows no color but green or red, and any form of discrimination could adversely impact not only LGBTQI investors but also other American companies considering Ghana for investment.

    In a recent interview on August 10th, Palmer shared her thoughts, stating, “Ghana’s strength lies in its welcoming and harmonious society. It would be advantageous for this stance to extend to the LGBTQI community. Discrimination or worse could deter not only LGBTQ investors but also other American enterprises.”

    Palmer’s comments come in light of the World Bank’s recent decision to suspend new loans to Uganda due to the controversial anti-LGBTQ law implemented in the country. The World Bank cited a commitment to principles of inclusion and non-discrimination as reasons for their action.

    One of the proponents of Ghana’s anti-gay bill, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, responded to the World Bank’s actions, asserting that Ghana would not be influenced by Uganda’s situation. Dafeamekpor stated that African countries cannot be coerced into accepting practices that are contrary to their values.

    He underscored that Africa comprises 54 distinct nations and that attempts by the World Bank to pressure the continent regarding LGBTQ issues would not succeed.

    Speaking on a televised news program on August 10th, Dafeamekpor commented, “Ghana remains steadfast and unaffected by recent events in Uganda.

    The World Bank’s influence is global, encompassing a variety of nations, and their attempt to impose LGBTQ acceptance on Africa is misguided. We stand firm today and will do so tomorrow.”

    It’s important to note that the wording has been adjusted to provide a more neutral and balanced tone while conveying the essence of the original message.

  • Bawumia has been an excellent leader – Kwamena Duncan

    Bawumia has been an excellent leader – Kwamena Duncan

    Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, according to former Central Regional Minister Kwamena Duncan, is the ideal candidate to serve as Ghana’s president.

    The Speaker said it will be the first time in the history of the Fourth Republic that both major parties in Ghana will have candidates hailing from the northern region of the country.

    Bagbin made this projection during a courtesy call on the Overlord of Gonja, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunutu Jewu Soale, at his residence in Damongo.

    Addressing the Overlord and his subjects, the Speaker emphasized that it is now the time for development in the northern region and urged the people to prepare themselves accordingly.

    “This is the time that the two main parties in Ghana are both deciding that the flagbearers will be our sons from the North. What I plead with all of you is for us to accept our differences and see how we can come together to prepare to receive the development that is coming our way.”

    “So the legacy projects we will do so be prepared to receive them when we bring them, multiply them and make sure that generations unborn will benefit from that,” he stated.

    Bagbin also reiterated his opposition to the practice of LGBTQI+ in Ghana, reaffirming the unanimous stance of Ghana’s Parliament against it.

    As the presiding officer of the Ghanaian Parliament, Bagbin firmly declared that LGBTQI+ activities will never be sanctioned in the country.

    “Once I preside over the parliament of Ghana, this LGBTQI will never be sanctioned in Ghana,” he added.

  • ‘What has anus got to do with sex?’- Foh-Amoaning questions Prof. Manuh over anti-LGBTQ bill

    ‘What has anus got to do with sex?’- Foh-Amoaning questions Prof. Manuh over anti-LGBTQ bill

    The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 (anti-LGBTQI bill), which Parliament is yet to review, has caused a debate between veteran attorney Moses Foh-Amoaning and Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, an emerita professor at the University of Ghana.

    Speaking in a GBC interview on Thursday, monitored by GhanaWeb, Prof Takyiwaa Manuh urged that people who engage in LGBTQI activities should be accepted because they already exist in communities in Ghana.

    She suggested the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 (anti-LGBTQI bill), which is being championed by Foh-Amoaning and other Ghanaians, is driven by hate and should be rejected by the Parliament of Ghana.

    The academic described Foh-Amoanging as her junior at the bar and said that the people championing the anti-LGBTQI bill have ulterior motives.

    Reacting to this, Lawyer Foh-Amoaning, who joined the programme through a phone call, berated Prof Takyiwaa Manuh for demeaning him and for saying that Ghanaians should accept LGBTQI+ activities.

    “What do you mean that I’m your junior at the bar, I’m your junior so what. You say we have an agenda, really! You (Prof Takyiwaa Manuh) don’t have an agenda. You think we don’t know those who are behind you.

    “Do you know what homosexuals do, what are the practises of homosexuals? A lady of your age, you are saying that a man should take his penis and push it through the anus. Is the anus the aorist for sex? Professor, I’m asking you, is the anus the aorist for sex?

    “How can you say that our culture accepts a thing like this that a man should take his penis and put it through faeces,” he said.

    The lawyer also refuted the assertion that people who are championing the anti-gay bill are driven by hatred.

    Meanwhile, the Parliament of Ghana is excepted to debate and pass the anti-gay bill today, Friday, March 31, 2023.

    This is after the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament present the final draft of the bill, which was sponsored by a group of bi-partisan Members of Parliament, to the plenary.

  • Suspects face 21-day detention over LGBT activist murder

    Suspects face 21-day detention over LGBT activist murder

    A Kenyan court has allowed police to detain five suspects linked to the murder of LGBT activist Edwin Chiloba for 21 days.

    This is to enable further investigations into the death, including conducting an autopsy and a forensic examination of the deceased’s house and the vehicle which was used to transport and dump the body.

    The police said they also need time to review CCTV footage of Chiloba’s last moments and phone records from his handset.

    The model’s decomposing body was found stashed in a metal box and dumped along a remote road outside Eldoret town.

    Human rights activists and civil society groups have condemned the horrific killing.

    The five people arrested include Chiloba’s long-time friend Jackton Odhiambo and three minors.

    Source: BBC

  • Father of suspected LGBTQ bar shooter says he was ‘scared’ his son might be gay

    Aaron Franklin Brink had a disturbing reaction when he learned his son was suspected of killing multiple people at an LGBTQ bar.

    “They started telling me about the incident, a shooting involving multiple people,” Brink told CBS 8. “And then I go on to find out it’s a gay bar … I said, ‘God, is he gay?’ I got scared, ‘Shit, is he gay?’ And he’s not gay, so I said, ‘Phhhewww…’”

    Brink, who is said to be a former MMA fighter and porn actor, went on to make several homophobic remarks during the interview, suggesting he was morally opposed to homosexuality because of his faith.

    “You know Mormons don’t do gay. We don’t do gay,” he said. “There’s no gays in the Mormon church. We don’t do gay.”

    The interview took place just days after Brink’s estranged son, Anderson Lee Aldrich, allegedly carried out a deadly shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. Police say the 22-year-old suspect entered the bar shortly before midnight last Saturday armed with an an AR-style rifle and a handgun. Aldrich, who was reportedly wearing body armor, immediately opened fire inside the venue, killing five people and injury 19 others. The gunman was ultimately stopped by Richard Fierro and Thomas James, two Club Q patrons who managed to take the guns from him.

    “While the suspect was inside of the club, at least two heroic people inside the club confronted and fought with the suspect and were able to stop the suspect from continuing to kill and harm others,” said Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez at a news conference Sunday morning. “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”

    The man has since been charged with five counts of first-degree murder and five counts of “bias-motivated crimes causing bodily injury.” In a court filing Tuesday, Aldrich’s attorney said the suspected shooter identifies as “nonbinary” and uses they/them pronouns. Brink consistently referred to Aldrich with he/him pronouns.

    The father expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and apologized for “letting his son down.”

    “I’m sorry for your loss. Life is so fragile and it’s valuable,” he said. “Those people’s lives were valuable. You know, they’re valuable. They’re good people probably.  It’s not something you kill somebody over. I’m sorry I let my son down … I love my son no matter what. I love my son. Please forgive my son.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • At least 5 killed, 18 injured in shooting at LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado

    At least five people were killed and 18 others injured after a shooting erupted late Saturday night at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs.

    “I have spoken with (Colorado Springs) Mayor John Suthers and made it clear that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis wrote.

    “We are eternally grateful for the brave individuals who blocked the gunman likely saving lives in the process and for the first responders who responded swiftly to this horrific shooting. Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn together.”

    Source: Complex.com