South Dayi Member of Parliament (MP), Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, has lashed out at activists, supporters, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who condemn animal cruelty.The outspoken MP finds it very ironic and cannot fathom how some people would condemn killing animals, but would not see the harm in others wanting to engage in sexual activities with animals.

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“People want to have sex with animals and that’s supposed to be their right. Meanwhile, when I, as an Anlo man, want to drink pepper soup with a cat, they are crying and lamenting over animal cruelty. Meanwhile, you want to have sex with a cat and say it is your right,” he expressed with utmost concern.

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During his appearance on CitiTV, the South Dayi MP openly criticised the activities of the LGBTQ+ community, drawing a controversial parallel between individuals engaging in sexual acts with animals and his own cultural culinary practices. He emphasised that there is no distinction between the two in terms of animal cruelty.

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He also raised concerns over how dangerous tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community could be, since some members would want to commit paedophilia and claim it is their right.“The LGBTQ++++++ to infinity, it is one of the categories of people in this class - that they must have the right to sleep with children. People have no idea what is coming. They are asking for the freedom gate to be opened to its widest extent,” he said.

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Conversations about the LGBTQ+ community have become increasingly common in recent times, as discussions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity elicit a wide range of responses. On one hand, there is a growing movement of support and acceptance, with many individuals advocating for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community.

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These proponents emphasise equality, inclusivity, and the importance of celebrating diverse identities.However, alongside this progress, there remains a segment of society that vehemently condemns the LGBTQ+ community. Their viewpoints are often rooted in deeply held religious, cultural or personal beliefs, which they feel compel them to reject or stigmatise individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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As a result, debates and disagreements on LGBTQ+ issues have become more prevalent, reflecting the ongoing struggle to find common ground and promote understanding among differing perspectives. While some advocate for equal rights, access to healthcare and protection against discrimination, others oppose such measures and assert their objections based on traditional values or moral convictions.

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Last week, Ghana’s Parliament unanimously adopted the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021”. The object of the bill is to provide for proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values and proscribe lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) and related activities. The bill now moves to the consideration stage, after which it will go through the third reading before it is passed into

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law.

some believe this move by Parliament may have negative implications for human rights and public health, the parliamentarians believe this is what is best for the country. Speaker Alban Bagbin has also vowed to ensure that the activities of the LGBTQ+ community are not countenanced in the country

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