What is it about?
The study focuses on the current LGBTI legal issues in Africa, with Ghana serving as a case study. Several African countries have criminalised LGBTI and related practises, while others are in the process of adopting similar laws. For example, Ghana's parliament is currently deliberating the passage of a comparable law. The objective of this study was to examine the rationale and justification behind the emergence of these laws in Africa and also to explore the perspectives of Ghanaians regarding LGBTI legislation and related practises.
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Why is it important?
Whether in favour of or against LGBTI legislation and related practises, public opinion matters in democratic States. The several findings from the study are therefore relevant for all policymakers, including LGBTI activist groups, in guiding future policies and interventions across the African region.
Perspectives
This paper raises several questions from human rights, African culture, and religious perspectives. Questions include, "On what basis should LGBTI be legalised in democratic States?" "Should cultural and religious beliefs be enough justification for passing legislation likely to promote violence and discrimination against others in a democratic State?" among many others. While it is crucial to preserve our cultural heritage as Africans, from the author's perspective, laws in a democratic State must seek to protect the lives and dignity of all.
Francis Acquah
University of Education Winneba
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and its legalisation in Africa: Insights from tertiary-level students in Ghana, PLOS One, July 2023, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287726.
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