Reverend Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has expressed concern over the imprisonment penalties outlined in the recently enacted anti-LGBTQI bill.
He argued that incarcerating individuals based on their sexual orientation might exacerbate the issue rather than resolve it.
During an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, Rev Gyamfi affirmed the church’s endorsement of the bill’s passage. However, he stressed the necessity for a reevaluation of the punitive measures.
Rev Gyamfi emphasized the importance of incorporating more rehabilitative and corrective actions.
He voiced apprehension about the efficacy of imprisonment as a deterrent, especially given the potential for LGBTQ individuals to further engage in prohibited activities within prison confines.
Rev Gyamfi proposed a focus on corrective methods within the penal system to facilitate rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
The anti-LGBTQ bill, formally known as the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill, was approved by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. This legislation criminalizes LGBTQ activities, including advocacy, promotion, and funding.
According to the bill, individuals found guilty may face incarceration ranging from six months to three years, while those involved in promoting or sponsoring such activities could be sentenced to three to five years in prison.
