The Anglican Church in Ghana has taken a bold stance against the government’s plan to implement harsher laws criminalizing the LGBTQIA+ community. In a surprising move, Archbishop Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith has spoken out, advocating for a more compassionate approach to this contentious issue.
As Ghana prepares to enact a new law that criminalizes simply identifying as an LGBTQIA+ person, Archbishop Ben-Smith has made his position clear: the Anglican Church does not support the criminalization of gay persons. This stance is particularly significant given the archbishop’s influential role as the spiritual leader of nearly two million Anglicans across several West African nations.
Archbishop Ben-Smith’s compassionate stance
In an interview with the BBC, Archbishop Ben-Smith emphasized that the LGBTQIA+ community has long been a part of Ghanaian society and has not caused problems. He acknowledged that while the Anglican Church holds traditional views on marriage, this does not justify criminalizing individuals based on their sexual orientation.
“Our point in our province is very clear: we do not support the criminalisation of gay persons,” Archbishop Ben-Smith stated. He went on to affirm that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, are children of God and deserve love and respect.
The new law and its implications
The proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Law represents a significant escalation in Ghana’s existing anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. Currently, homosexuality is illegal with penalties of up to three years in prison. The new law expands these penalties to include simply expressing LGBTQIA+ identities and engaging in public communication about sexual minorities.
Notably, the law also imposes a “duty to report” on citizens, requiring them to report any LGBTQIA+ activities to authorities. Those who fail to comply could face up to three years in prison. However, journalists, legal professionals, and medical personnel are exempt from this requirement.
A regional trend of increasing restrictions
Ghana is not alone in its efforts to criminalize LGBTQIA+ identities. Several other African nations, including Senegal and Uganda, have recently increased penalties or created new offenses related to homosexuality. This trend has raised concerns among human rights advocates about the growing restrictions on LGBTQIA+ rights across the continent.
Archbishop Ben-Smith’s compassionate stance offers a counterpoint to these restrictive laws, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing complex social issues. As the debate over LGBTQIA+ rights continues in Ghana and beyond, his words serve as a powerful reminder of the need for compassion and respect for all individuals.
