2nd March 2024 2:37:39 PM
3 mins readMedia personality Afia Pokua, also known as Vim Lady, has elaborated on behaviors that may lead to a violation of the recently passed anti-LGBT law.Explaining the provisions of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, Vim Lady highlighted that engaging in oral sex and using sex toys are explicitly prohibited by the legislation passed on February 28 by parliament.
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“Let me take you to section 6 (3) there’s something there that affects both straight and LGBTQ persons, it says for the purpose of this section sexual intercourse where a person penetrates the anus or the mouth of another person with the penis of that person or another contraption. So if you use dildos on another woman you are guilty or if you use dildos on another man you are guilty. If you blowjob you are guilty.She emphasized that section 6 (3) of the law applies to both LGBTQ+ and anti-LGBTQ+ individuals, making individuals who incorporate dildos into sexual activities or participate in blowjob activities subject to legal consequences.Furthermore, Vim Lady noted that individuals who cross-dress, assuming the appearance of the opposite gender with the intent of engaging with someone, face imprisonment for a term not less than 6 months and not exceeding one year.Adding to the explanation, she pointed out that any indecent acts, such as same-sex kissing, could result in imprisonment if observed, discouraging any public display of affection between individuals of the same gender.
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She further mentioned that engaging in any indecent act, such as the display of affection like kissing between two men or women, can lead to imprisonment if observed.
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"Those who are doing cross dressing, section 10 subsection 2 C says any intention of cross dressing to portray that the person is of a gender different from the gender assigned at birth with the intent to engage in an act prohibited under this act. Any public show of amorous relationship between or among persons of the same sex who woefully commits grossly indecent acts commits a misdemeanour and is liable to a conviction for a term of imprisonment not less than 6 months and not more than one year," she added.
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Chaley, trouble come oh 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/aB8BhuyRe7— I❤️RAP (@Rapgbee) March 2, 2024
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During Wednesday's parliamentary session, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin proposed amendments to the bill at the second consideration stage, citing concerns about human rights infringement. Despite his efforts, the Minority rejected the request, leading the Speaker to advance to the third consideration stage, ultimately resulting in the bill's passage.
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The bill has now been presented to the President for his assent, marking the final step before it becomes law. Aimed at criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill imposes stringent penalties, including imprisonment, for involvement in homosexual acts and LGBTQ+ advocacy. It also aims to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events within the country.
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Before its passage, numerous amendments were made to the bill.
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Parliament determined that promoters and sympathizers would face a minimum custodial sentence of three years, extendable to a maximum of five years. Individuals directly engaged in these activities would be subject to a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
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Ghana joins several African nations in addressing LGBTQ+ issues within society. Uganda notably enacted severe anti-gay laws in May, including the death penalty for specific same-sex acts, leading to sanctions from the international community.
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Concerns have arisen that Ghana might face similar sanctions, potentially impeding financial aid from countries advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
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Nevertheless, Ghanaian Parliamentarians have expressed determination to withstand any repercussions from pro-LGBTQ+ countries.
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The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has already labeled the bill's passage as "profoundly disturbing."
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A portion of the UN Human Rights statement read “I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian Government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized.”
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