The Minister-designate for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng has said he is opposed to same-sex marriage.
He declared his stance on the LGBTQI debate when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, February 20 for vetting.
“Same-sex legalization in Ghana, I am opposed to it,” he said.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng’s comment was in response to Awutu Senya West MP, Gizella Tetteh’s question about his view on legalizing same-sex marriage in Ghana.
He further stated that he would ensure that “our traditional authorities are lifted higher to dignified and noble status.”
“Our Christian and Moslem leadership must be given the necessary support so they can get the congregation to understand that we are one nation which is a sovereign state … so my role is to make sure that we all work together on this aspect and not bring trouble. In the case of conflict, we will manage it and jaw,” he added.
There is currently an anti-LGBTQI bill before Parliament to criminalize the activities of the LGBTQ+ community in the country.
If passed, the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” would introduce jail terms of up to 5 years for same-sex intercourse, up to 10 years for anyone “promoting” LGBTQI activities, and up to 1 year for a same-sex “public show of amorous relations”. Among other things, the law would also forcibly disband all LGBTQI organizations, ban trans healthcare, and prohibit adoption by same-sex couples.
The bill which was drafted by eight lawmakers, mostly from the opposition party has been widely condemned by the international community and rights activists.