In a recent discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Sam George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampam, clarified the stance of the controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation, emphasizing that the law targets the acts of LGBTQ activities rather than the individuals involved. This clarification comes amid debates and differing opinions within the Ghanaian Parliament and the wider public sphere regarding the criminalization of LGBTQ acts.
George’s comments were in response to Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s claims that LGBTQ behavior is not inherently criminal but rather a matter of personal behavior. Contrary to Afenyo-Markin’s viewpoint, George insists that engaging in LGBTQ activities is a conscious choice that carries legal consequences under the new legislation.
According to a report by Ghana Web, the Ningo-Prampram MP firmly stated that the basis of the anti-LGBTQ law is not rooted in scientific evidence but rather in societal values and norms. “The science and the facts establish the fact that homosexuality is not behavioral, and I can take anybody on that debate,” George asserted, challenging the notion that LGBTQ orientations are purely behavioral and therefore should not be subjected to criminal penalties.
The background to this heated discussion stems from Afenyo-Markin’s opposition to the third reading of the anti-LGBTQ bill in Parliament, particularly concerning provisions that could lead to imprisonment for those found guilty of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ activities. While Afenyo-Markin acknowledges some level of support for the bill, he advocates for community service instead of incarceration, arguing that jail terms would not effectively address or rehabilitate the behavior in question.
This legislative move by the Ghanaian Parliament to approve jail terms ranging from three to five years for individuals promoting LGBTQ activities and a minimum of six months to a maximum of three years for those caught in the act, has sparked a national and international dialogue about human rights, sexuality, and the role of law in regulating personal behaviors.
As debates continue, the contrasting views within Parliament and among the Ghanaian populace highlight the complex interplay between cultural values, legal enforcement, and individual rights in the context of LGBTQ issues. The discussions surrounding the anti-LGBTQ bill reflect broader questions about objectivity, science, and the societal implications of criminalizing certain behaviors.
