Gabby Otchere Darko, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reiterated his opposition to the custodial sentencing aspect of the anti-gay bill recently passed by Parliament in Ghana.
He highlighted what he perceives as inconsistencies in the bill, particularly regarding the severity of punishment for homosexuality compared to other offenses.
Otchere Darko pointed out that the anti-gay bill imposes harsher penalties on homosexuals than on individuals involved in child marriage.
He cited the example of a recent marriage involving a 63-year-old man and a 12-year-old girl, where the maximum penalty under the Children’s Act 1998 is only 12 months imprisonment for forcing a minor into marriage.
In his commentary, Otchere Darko emphasized that while the anti-gay bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities with sentences of up to five years in prison, it overlooks issues such as child marriage.
He highlighted the disparity in punishment, noting that two consenting adults of the same sex could face a stiffer sentence for public displays of affection than an elderly individual marrying a minor.
His remarks shed light on the broader debate surrounding the anti-gay bill and its implications for human rights, equality, and justice in Ghanaian society.
They reflect concerns about the fairness and proportionality of the proposed legislation, particularly in comparison to existing laws addressing other social issues such as child marriage.
Onokwafo Yaw Asiedu/Ahotoronline.com
