Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has wondered why the West has failed to impose sanctions on Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries for criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities.
Mr Manasseh was reacting to claims by cousin of the President, Gabby Otchere Darko that Ghana risks being blacklisted by the West if Parliament passes the bill that criminalises LGBTQ+ in the country.
However, Manasseh in a post on Facebook questioned if there were no gays or lesbians in the Arab world; wondering if the West are selective in the application of the principles.
He further questioned why sanctions have not been placed on African countries with leaders who continue to loot resources while the masses suffer.
See full post below:
To Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko and those talking about Western sanctions and blacklisting should Ghana go ahead with the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, I want to ask this question: Why has the West not sanctioned or blacklisted Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Arab World? Are there no gays and lesbians in Saudi Arabia and the Arab world?
Or do they discriminate in the application of their principles? As we question our own actions, shouldn’t we not also question the inconsistencies of the West? Why have they not blacklisted Ghana and other African countries for the massive looting of resources and aid money by their leaders while the masses suffer? Why should some powerful nations tie aid to LGBTQ+ rights instead of other important issues of governance such as corruption? Or is sexuality more important to them than the poverty and famine that are caused by the leaders, whose devious actions they know very well?
The rights to quality education, healthcare and quality life are almost beyond the reach of the average Ghanaian or African, and the reason is well-documented. Why aren’t we seeing sanctions for the numerous human rights abuses that have become a norm in the continent?
I have issues with the current bill, especially the attempt to criminalise advocacy and all discussion about LGBTQ+. But if we flip the coin on the important things that should engage the attention of our leaders, we should equally be worried about the “important things” that should engage the attention of the powerful nations.
It’s difficult to properly engage in this debate because of the inconsistencies and selective application of principles and morality on both sides of the debate.
GhanaFeed.com