News
Anti-Gay Bill: What Is Mahama’s Position? – Gabby Asks
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Gabby Otchere Darko has demanded that former president John Dramani Mahama declare his stance on the ongoing anti-LGBTQI+ saga.
In a tweet he questioned whether Mr Mahama is for or against the bill.
“Is former President and presidential aspirant John Mahama for or against the Boy George Bill?” the former Executive Director of the Danquah Institute asked in a tweet on Monday October 11.
Meanwhile the Vice-Chairman of the Communications Committee of Parliament, Sylvester Tetteh has said the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will be passed because it enjoys support from both sides of the House.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile on Saturday, October 9, 2021, he urged proponents of the bill to allow and tolerate dissenting views.
“I have had a lot of conversations with chiefs and opinion leaders in my constituency. I think that [there is a] bi-partisan nature of this bill in Parliament. However, we must also be tolerant to other dissenting views, wherever it’s coming from and what the posture is.”
“As for the bill, I pretty much believe if you ask members of parliament, about 90% or more, or unanimously, would love to vote for it,” he said.
Also, Ningo-Prampram lawmaker, Sam George, one of eight MPs who jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of LGBTQI+ activities in the country has insisted that Ghana will not face any economic sanctions should the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill be passed into law.
Referencing several countries that have draconian laws against homosexuals yet still thriving, he said fears that Ghana could face economic sanctions are misplaced.
“Look, there are 195 countries in the world; only 33 have legalised homosexuality nothing is going to happen to Ghana,” he assured.
He added, “Ghana is a Sovereign nation. We will hold our own; they need us as much as we need them”.
“Uganda passed a more draconian bill; in fact, Uganda’s bill was tagged ‘kill the gays’ because it actually sentenced them to death for homosexuality.
“Uganda passed this bill; it’s been almost 6 years, nothing has happened to Uganda. Uganda is still standing on its feet; it is benefitting from COVAX just like Ghana, so the whole hysteria that is being created by proponents of LGBTQ,” he stated.
“Nigeria passed a stronger bill with more punitive measures for homosexuals in 2014; Nigeria is there nobody did anything to Nigeria, nobody will do anything to Ghana,” he added.
