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Coalition of Muslim Professionals and Business Associates have thrown its weight behind the criminalisation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ +) activities and advocacy, describing it as morally reprehensible conduct.

The group had therefore commended the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Mr Sam George, for spearheading the passage of the legislation which expressly prohibits and criminalise the practise or advocacy of homosexuality in Ghana.

Islamic doctrine

As committed Muslims, and referencing the Quran, the members said Allah completely prohibited the act and punishes severely individuals or nations who allowed such practices to thrive.

"And as for the two of you men who are guilty of lewdness, punish them.." (Quran 4:16), again in another verse, “When our (Allah's) command came, we turned the city (Sodom) upside down and rained layers upon layers of clay on it," ( Quran 11:83), to add, " And we let rainfall on them. Look how that was the end of the wrongdoers ." (Quran 7:84), and further readings, "He (Lut) said: help me, my Lord, against the people who cause disaster,” the Convener for the group Mr Bashir Mohammed Mahfuz cited.

Impact on businesses

“As young businessmen and successful professionals, the clarity of an impending doom or disaster on our generation and businesses due to this evil and satanic sexual preference and practice of a few is not lost on me and thereby answering duties call to support this bill,” he added.

He was certain that the passage of the bill would allow the current generation to continue to have normal business and human activity for the economic advancement of not only themselves but that for their families and the country at large, without incurring the wrath of Allah.

Additionally, he said the scientific proof linking sodomy to the spread of HIV/AiDs and other sexually transmitted diseases constituted another reason why the association supported the Bill.

More so, he said the aim of the group was to guard against exposing the already venerable zango communities to a greater risk to avoid diminishing the gains made so far in such areas.

Support

“On the basis of the above, We unequivocally state our support for the Private Members' Bill sponsored by some Members of Parliament to criminalized LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.

“We further commend the courage, professionalism and sustained strength of Hon. Samuel Nartey George and all those who have worked effortlessly on this bill. Together we shall win,” Mr Mahfuz said.

Background

Eight members of Ghana’s Parliament have jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.

The bill, which they term as a ‘The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values’, was presented to Speaker, Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

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

The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam George, who led the MPs to make the presentation, said it “is a landmark legislation that has taken the last 14 weeks working with a fantastic team of professionals to put together. It is in my humble opinion a world-class piece of legislation which should be reference material for other Parliaments seeking to pass similar legislation.”

The other members of parliament that joined in presenting the bill include, Emmanuel Bedzrah (MP, Ho West) Della Adjoa Sowah (MP, Kpando), John Ntim Fordjour (MP, Assin South), Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini (MP, Tamale North), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP, Krachi West), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (MP, La Dadekotopon) and Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor (MP, South Dayi).

Religious organisations

This has consequently reignited public debate on the subject with more religious organisations throwing their weight behind the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill. That includes the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) and the Coalition of Muslim Organisations, Ghana (COMOG).

Pull quote

We further commend the courage, professionalism and sustained strength of Hon. Samual Nortey George and all those who have worked effortlessly on this bill.