Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni is questioning why African governments seem to be prioritising the fight against homosexuality over corruption.
I don't understand why a continent that is ravaged by pervasive corruption is passing anti-LGBTQ+ laws that are harsher than corruption. In other words, why should a politician openly steal from his people and win the next election when supporting LGBTQ+ would guarantee a defeat?” he questioned.
Currently a number of African countries have taken a strong position against LGBTQ+ practices with some passing stiff legislations against it.
In March, Uganda’s parliament passed sweeping anti-LGBTQ legislation with strict new penalties for homosexuality. The legislation proscribes “the death penalty in cases of ‘aggravated homosexuality,’ defined as sexual relations with someone below the age of 14 or above the age of 75, and for repeat offenders.”
Ghana is following suit with a bill that seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ practices.
Under the bill, persons found guilty of breaching the law stand a chance of being sentenced to jail among other forms of punishment.
The bill has received wide public acceptance but has also attracted criticisms from human rights activists and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris during her recent visit to Ghana raised concerns about the bill while describing LGBTQ+ practice as a human right.
Meanwhile, religious and other opinion leaders are asking the president to declare his stance on the issue.
The Catholic Bishop of Konongo-Mampong, Most Reverend Joseph Osei-Bonsu, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare his true stance on the controversial Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) activities in Ghana.
The senior clergyman stated in a statement that the president has been making contradictory statements regarding the subject matter, which worries him. Consequently, his decision to write formally to the president asking him to publicly state his genuine view on the LGBTQ+ issue.
Do you think Africans should focus more on fighting CORRUPTION than LGBTQ+?
