By Augustine Agyapong
Duayaw-Nkwanta (Ahafo), May 28, GNA – Dr Gideon Boako, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano North in the Ahafo Region, has called on Muslim leaders and scholars to actively support intensified advocacy for the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values (LGBTQ+) Bill into law.
Addressing hundreds of Muslims at a durbar organised to mark the Eid-ul-Adha celebration at Duayaw-Nkwanta, Dr Boako expressed concern over the delay in passing the Bill into law.
He explained that Parliament was actively deliberating on the proposed legislation and therefore required the support of Muslim leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts toward its passage.
Dr Boako said that if enacted, the legislation would criminalise identifying as LGBTQ+, outlaw the funding or promotion of LGBTQ+ activities, and impose prison terms ranging from three to 10 years for offenders.
“It’s unfortunate that the debate surrounding the passage of the LGBTQ+ Bill has continued for years. Under the leadership of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the bill was discussed extensively, but its passage has now become a challenge,” he stated.
The MP advised Muslim leaders, scholars, and faith-based organisations to sensitise the public on what he described as the health implications and consequences of engaging in LGBTQ+ practices, which he said were also contrary to the nation’s culture and traditions.
“We believe that intensified advocacy from faith-based organisations and civil society groups will influence and push for the passage of the Bill into law,” Dr Boako added.
Alhaji Mohammed Unus, the Ahafo Regional Deputy Chief Imam, also called on the government to facilitate the passage of the Bill into law to preserve the nation’s identity, culture, and traditions.
Alhaji Mustapha Ibrahim, the Tano North Deputy Chief Imam, described same-sex marriage as an unacceptable affront to the nation’s cultural and religious values and appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to support the passage of the Bill into law.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Audrey Dekalu