Reverend Canon Dr. Confidence Bansah, the CEO of the Center for Religion and Public Life (CRPL-Ghana), has expressed worries about the potential ramifications of the recently approved revisions to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-gay bill.
He questions why, in the twenty-first century, expressing or doing anything that supports or encourages LGBTQ+ people should be illegal.
We think that any kind of penalty for supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ causes could have an effect on the 1992 Constitution’s guarantee of academic freedom. Why should it be illegal in the twenty-first century to speak or publish anything that supports or advocates for LGBTQ+? Does that mean that free speech and research will no longer be allowed? Are we not returning to the “zip it or face it” mentality as a result of this? We feel that the Bible and the LGBTQ+ community are moving toward becoming closed canons, meaning that they are no longer open to debate. Something that could be detrimental to our democracy as a country; thus, in the interest of strengthening our nation, we implore the parliament and the bill’s authors to reevaluate the section. Honorable Canon Dr. Self-Assured
His comments come after the bill’s changes were recently approved. Among them is the imposition of jail sentences on those who assist, facilitate, encourage, or promote LGBTQ+ activities.
Those found guilty of promoting LGBTQ+ activities will face a minimum term of three months and a maximum sentence of six months, or a fine ranging from 600 Ghana cedis to 1200 Ghana cedis, under the updated bill that is currently being considered for currency.
The CRPL-Ghana’s viewpoint reflects the developing disputes regarding the bill’s influence on fundamental freedoms and democratic values in Ghana.
Source: 1FamilyRadio