Anti LGBTQ+ Bill: ‘It’s senseless to imprison gays’ – Franklin Cudjoe

Franklin Cudjoe, the visionary leader of IMANI Africa, has voiced strong opposition against the recent legislative move to criminalize LGBTQ+ identities and activities in Ghana.

In a candid conversation on Citi TV’s “The Big Issue” on February 28, 2024, Cudjoe termed the decision to incarcerate individuals for their sexual orientation as “senseless,” sparking a significant dialogue on the matter.

The controversial bill, passed by Parliament, positions Ghana at a pivotal moment in its legal and social history.

The legislation not only criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities but also bans the promotion, advocacy, and funding of such lifestyles, assigning a jail term ranging from six months to three years for those identified as LGBTQ+.

Additionally, individuals or entities found promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ+ activities are liable to face imprisonment for three to five years.

Franklin Cudjoe ‘s criticism sheds light on a broader concern regarding personal freedoms and the role of the state in regulating private lives.

He questions the rationale behind incarcerating individuals based on their sexual orientation, challenging the bill’s effectiveness and the morality of policing private consensual activities.

“I don’t think it is sensible to imprison anyone who you believe is gay unless, of course, that person must have raped, you think must have unduly influenced other people, especially minors, and you found them,” he argued, emphasizing the need for a distinction between consensual adult relationships and criminal behavior.

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His remarks highlight a critical aspect of the legislation – the practicality and ethics of enforcing laws that delve into the private lives of citizens.

Franklin Cudjoe points out the inherent challenges in “policing people who are doing their acts in the bedroom,” questioning the feasibility of such surveillance and the intrusion into personal liberties it entails.

The debate surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana is more than a legal issue; it’s a profound reflection on societal values, human rights, and the balance between cultural norms and individual freedoms.

Franklin Cudjoe ‘s stance not only challenges the law’s premise but also invites a broader discourse on the implications of such legislation on Ghana’s democratic principles and its commitment to human rights.

As the conversation unfolds, it becomes evident that the issue at hand transcends legal boundaries, touching upon the very fabric of Ghanaian society and its future direction.

The discussion initiated by Franklin Cudjoe ‘s remarks is a crucial one, offering an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and, hopefully, a reconsideration of how laws align with the fundamental principles of freedom, dignity, and respect for all individuals.

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