Human Rights Researcher Dr Michael Gyan Nyarko, affiliated with the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, has voiced strong criticism against Ghana‘s proposed anti-LGBTQI+ Bill currently under consideration by Parliament. The bill aims to criminalize LGBTQI+ activities, including advocacy for the community, sparking widespread debate and concern.
Dr Gyan Nyarko condemned the bill as undemocratic, asserting that it violates the rights of a minority group and undermines the principles of inclusivity and tolerance essential to a democratic society. He emphasized that while individuals may personally disagree with LGBTQ practices, criminalizing their activities solely based on disagreement is unjust and sets a dangerous precedent.
In a statement made on Joy FM‘s Newsfile program, Dr Gyan Nyarko argued that LGBTQ activities do not inherently harm others and therefore should not be subject to criminalization. He emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens, including minority groups, to ensure Ghana’s progress and advancement as a democratic nation.
However, Samuel Nartey George, a leading proponent of the anti-gay bill, defended his stance, contending that LGBTQ activities have detrimental effects on society at large, justifying the need for their criminalization.
In contrast to the punitive approach proposed in the anti-LGBTQ bill, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin advocates for a more progressive approach to addressing same-sex activities within the criminal justice system. He proposes a system that prioritizes social reintegration, rehabilitation, and redemption for offenders, favouring non-custodial punishments and plea bargaining over incarceration.
Afenyo-Markin’s proposal aims to alleviate prison overcrowding, address human rights concerns, and promote a more restorative approach to justice, aligning with international human rights standards and principles of legislative accountability.
In summary, while the anti-LGBTQ bill continues to provoke controversy and debate, Dr. Gyan Nyarko and others advocate for the protection of minority rights and the preservation of democratic values in Ghana’s legal framework. Conversely, Afenyo-Markin’s alternative approach seeks to balance accountability with compassion, emphasizing rehabilitation over punitive measures in addressing same-sex activities within the criminal justice system.
