Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has reaffirmed his opposition to custodial sentences for gay activities while expressing support for the principle behind the anti-gay bill.
Parliament recently approved a bill prescribing a three-to-five-year jail term for those who promote or sponsor LGBTQ activities, with individuals caught in the act facing a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 3 years in jail.
During discussions on the bill’s clause-by-clause amendment, Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that punitive actions wouldn’t aid in the rehabilitation of offenders.
In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mr. Afenyo-Markin highlighted the impracticality of enacting laws entailing custodial sentences in a judiciary climate that favors non-custodial measures.
He stated, “I support aspects of the bill, I oppose aspects of it. I am not against the principle, the object of the bill. In this day and age where the country’s judiciary thinking is towards a non-custodial sentence. We cannot enact a law that seeks to entrench custodial sentences. After all, it is about somebody’s sexuality and we have to be very careful as a country not to be going into emotions when enacting a law.”
He further underscored the empathetic perspective, questioning whether individuals would want their family members subjected to jail terms for their sexual orientation.
About The Author
More Stories
Pressure mounting at the Gnats Hall in Accra over school placements issues by affected parents in need of replacement.
Declare State of emergency on Galamsey, Democracy Hub Protester and other large groups Urges President Mahama
Supreme Court grants AG seven-day extension overt anti-LGBT law