By: Sani Abdul-Rahman
The Coalition of Muslim Professionals and Business Associates has thrown its support behind the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill before Ghana’s Parliament which seeks to criminalise the act, urging legislators to pass it into law when the House resumes.
They described the practice as morally reprehensible and therefore should not be entertained.
The group commended the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George and his colleague-legislators for sponsoring the Bill which abhors the practice or promotion of homosexuality in Ghana.
Islamic doctrine
Citing verses from the Qur’an, the Members said Islam abhors the act and Allah punishes severely individuals or nations who allowed such practices to thrive.
“And as for the two of you men who are guilty of lewdness , punish them..” (Quran 4:16), again in another verse , ” When our (Allah’s) command came, we turned the city (Sodom) upside down and rained layers upon layers of clay on it.” ( Quran 11:83), to add, ” And we let rain fall on them. Look how that was the end of the wrongdoers .” (Quran 7:84), and further readings, “He (Lut) said: help me, my Lord ,against the people who cause disaster,” the Convener for the group Bashir Mohammed Mahfuz cited.
Health implications
The group said the scientific proof linking sodomy to the spread of HIV/AiDs and other sexually transmitted diseases is a major reason for its support for the criminalization of the practice.
“This practice has the tendency to erode all the gains made in our communities, particularly Zango, in terms of adherence to the norms and values of the Islamic teachings,” Mr Mahfuz said.
Support
“On the basis of the above, We unequivocally state our support for the Private Members’ Bill sponsored by some Members of Parliament to criminalize LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana,” he stated.
The group urged the MPs who spearheaded the Bill to ignore threats of travel bans from Western countries, assuring them of the Muslim community’s unflinching support in the fight.
