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Tag: LGBTQ

  • Most American gospel artistes are gay – Sonnie Badu boldly asserts

    Most American gospel artistes are gay – Sonnie Badu boldly asserts

    A significant number of American gospel musicians identify as LGBT+, according to Ghanaian gospel musician and pastor Sonnie Badu.

    Sonnie Badu, the lead pastor of Atlanta’s Rockhill Church, revealed this information in an interview with Accra FM. According to him, more than 78% of American gospel musicians and preachers identify as LGBT+.

    “In America, about 78% of gospel musicians there are gay; most of these popular musicians that we play their songs on our airwaves and in our churches are into LGBT activities. If you get to know them you won’t play their songs again. Even some of the bishops that we follow and listen to are involved in LGBT activities,” he said.

    He said that a fellow gospel musician had once cautioned him against getting involved in such affairs.

    “One of the gospel musicians even warned me to mind my business when I see the things they’re involved in because they know I am conservative,” he said.

    Sonnie Badu also expressed his worries about the impact of the LGBT+ movement, claiming that it is visible in the media, in the classroom, and in the entertainment industry, among other spheres of society.

    He continued by saying that seemingly innocent cartoons can convey subtle messages, which is why he forbade the viewing of such material in his home.

    “This LGBT+ agenda is not just in Ghana, it’s everywhere, it’s in many countries, in their books, schools, cartoons, etc.

    Personally, in my house, my children don’t watch cartoons again. These innocent cartoons are now subtly sending messages to our children. It’s disturbing as a parent,” he said.

    The anti-LGBT+ Bill, which was approved by parliament on February 28, 2024, is still awaiting ratification by the president.

    The Bill intends to criminalise the practice of or advocacy for LGBT+ causes, with potential sentences for prosecutors ranging from three to five years.

  • Alleged gay lands in hospital following mob attack in Kasoa

    Alleged gay lands in hospital following mob attack in Kasoa

    Salis Nasir, 25, was rushed to Dr. Kofi Boateng Memorial Hospital in Kasoa, near Accra, in a taxi, fighting for his life following a vicious attack by his Muslim brothers on the grounds that he was gay. The scene was chaotic.

    Security personnel intervened with a warning shot to disperse the furious mob after Nasir’s childhood friends attacked him and his “lover” when they found out.

    After stabilising at the hospital, Nasir muses over telling the police about the incident in hopes of receiving justice and protection.

    “I was there for antenatal care when they brought him to the hospital reception. It was a really bad sight. I don’t know what could have happened if he had not been rescued early,” a pregnant woman who was an eyewitness recounted.

    “Now that LGBQT has been declared illegal by the law, it is only right that we report any suspects to the police rather than continue this barbaric act of instant justice. It most often leads to attacking innocent people,” one of the doctors advised.

    The recent anti-gay bill has made the Ghanaian community’s view of homosexuality—which is considered abomination—even worse.

    The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, has voiced grave concerns regarding Ghana’s adoption of the anti-gay legislation, nevertheless.

    In a statement, UNAIDS expressed concern that if passed, the law might incite violence, obstruct access to life-saving care, and violate basic liberties, all of which could impede Ghana’s progress towards development.

    Byanyima stressed the detrimental effects on public health in general and the fight against AIDS in particular.

    The statement emphasised the possible harm that such laws could do to people’s freedoms and to more general attempts to address health issues.

  • Parliament passes the anti-LGBTQI bill

    Parliament passes the anti-LGBTQI bill

    The Ghanaian Parliament enacted the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which is also referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin
    The bill was ultimately approved by lawmakers after all possible stages of consideration were completed, according to a report by Citi FM in Accra.

    The Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) Board Chair, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, urged President Akufo-Addo to veto the bill the day before it was passed by Parliament.

    Professor Gadzekpo contended that the bill infringes upon fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution, such as the rights to equality, nondiscrimination, dignity, academic freedom, freedom of speech and association, and participation in procession.

    Prof. Gadzekpo stressed that protecting rights and freedoms is essential to constitutional democracy during a press conference on human rights and a rights-based strategy for assisting sexual minorities in Ghana.

    She emphasised the importance of the matter for all Ghanaians and cautioned that changing these rights could imperil the country’s democratic values.

    In response to concerns about media freedom, CDD stated that the bill would restrict the freedom of expression of journalists and social media users by penalising them for covering LGBTQI+ issues. In addition, they denounced the bill for going against Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, which forbids private member’s bills that put money into the public coffers.

    The Human Rights Coalition and the “Big 18” pushed Parliament to reject the Anti-LGBTQI Bill, citing the significance of protecting the rights of all people. They cautioned that if the bill were to pass, it would violate both national and international human rights laws and jeopardise the media’s standing in society.

    The bill outlaws LGBT advocacy, funding, and promotion and makes them illegal.

    Those found guilty of the act could face a sentence of six months to three years in prison, while those who encourage and fund it could face a sentence of three to five years in prison.

  • Sister Derby holds religious influence responsible for Ghana’s LGBTQ discrimination

    Sister Derby holds religious influence responsible for Ghana’s LGBTQ discrimination

    In a recent interview, activist and musician Sister Derby from Ghana discussed how she believes religion plays a role in the prejudice that LGBTQ people face in her country.

    She voiced concern in an interview with YFM that a lot of people have a tendency to follow religious doctrines without thinking for themselves, which results in a lack of acceptance and understanding of different points of view.

    In order to promote a more inclusive society, Sister Derby emphasised the value of education outside of the classroom, advising people to learn via firsthand experience and discussions with an open mind.

    Sister Derby drew comparisons between the LGBTQ community in Ghana and other oppressed groups, including victims of domestic abuse, people with albinism, and people who face racial discrimination, by drawing parallels to past struggles.

    She emphasised the necessity of group efforts in questioning social norms and promoted empathy, inspiring people to acknowledge and value the diversity inherent in the human experience.