Sep 02, 2006Articles: Ghana bans planned gay and lesbian conference
By VZ
Accra- The Ghanaian government on Thursday slammed the door to an international gay and lesbian conference scheduled for the third week of September in Accra, saying that allowing the conference to be held would offend most Ghanaians.
Accra- The Ghanaian government on Thursday slammed the door to an international gay and lesbian conference scheduled for the third week of September in Accra, saying that allowing the conference to be held would offend most Ghanaians.
"The government would like to make it absolutely clear that it shall not permit the proposed conference of International Gays and Lesbians to take place anywhere in Ghana," said a statement signed by Kwamena Bartels, minister of information and national orientation.
"Government does not and shall not condone any such activity, which violently offends the culture, morality and heritage of the entire people of Ghana."
Many Ghanaians have voiced opposition to the conference.
Bartels said that Ghanaian culture, morality and heritage leads locals to totally abhor homosexual and lesbian practices and any other form of unnatural sexual acts.
"Unnatural carnal knowledge is illegal under our criminal code," he said. "Homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality are therefore offences under the laws of Ghana."
The minister of the interior has been directed to investigate the government officials who reportedly gave permission for the conference to be held at the International Conference Centre in Accra. Disciplinary action will be taken if they are found to have broken any laws.
