Ghana’s Parliament to Review Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, Considering Alternative Sentencing

Ghana ‘s Parliament is set to review the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill which would consider other sentencing ideas.  This reconsideration comes with a proposed amendment focusing on replacing custodial sentences with community service for offenses related to the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights within the country.

The motion, which received backing from Emmanuel Bedzrah, the National Democratic Congress MP for Ho West, introduces a second consideration stage for the bill. It targets 14 specific clauses, aiming to shift from incarceration to community service as a form of punishment. This pivotal decision pushes back the bill’s anticipated passage, originally scheduled for February 15, 2024, as it skips directly to a renewed debate stage, foregoing the third reading.

Afenyo-Markin, in advocating for these amendments, emphasized the importance of a rehabilitative over a punitive approach within Ghana’s criminal justice system. He argued that imprisonment often fails to address the underlying behavioral issues and can, in fact, lead to further deviance. The deputy majority leader proposed a sentencing regime that would impose a six-month custodial sentence or less for those convicted of supporting LGBTQ+ activities. However, he strongly advocated for a transition towards non-custodial, community-based sentences, reflecting a humane and reformative system.

This stance is not only about promoting a more lenient approach but also aligns with the government’s wider goal to introduce a Community Sentence Bill. This reflects an overarching shift towards rehabilitation and the adoption of global standards that balance the protection of rights with the preservation of cultural values.

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Despite his support for the anti-LGBTQ+ bill’s objective to protect Ghanaian family values, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the critical need to avoid punitive measures that could potentially worsen the plight of individuals involved. He underscored the importance of adopting non-custodial sentencing, which he believes meets international obligations while effectively tackling the issue.

By advocating for this approach, Afenyo-Markin aims to navigate the complex legal and cultural challenges surrounding the LGBTQ+ debate in Ghana. This reevaluation of the bill signifies Parliament’s commitment to finding a balanced solution that respects human rights while upholding the nation’s cultural and moral standards.

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As Ghana’s Parliament takes this significant step towards reconsidering the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, it marks a crucial moment in the ongoing discussion about LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The proposed amendments reflect a broader discussion on how to enforce laws that respect both the cultural values of Ghana and the rights of individuals, showcasing a legislative body in search of a path that bridges legal enforcement with compassionate, rehabilitative justice.

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