In a significant departure from the stance of some Roman Catholic bishops in Ghana, Cardinal Peter Turkson has voiced his support for decriminalizing homosexuality in the country. Speaking to the BBC, Cardinal Turkson emphasized the importance of education and understanding regarding LGBTQ+ issues, as Ghana’s parliament discusses a controversial bill proposing severe penalties for LGBT individuals.
The cardinal’s views starkly contrast with the Ghanaian bishops’ declaration that homosexuality is “despicable.” Notably, last month, Pope Francis hinted at the possibility of the Catholic Church blessing same-sex couples, while still maintaining that same-sex relationships are considered “objectively sinful” and not recognizing same-sex marriage.
In July, Ghanaian lawmakers endorsed measures in a proposed bill that, if passed, would make identifying as LGBT punishable by up to a three-year prison sentence. Additionally, individuals advocating for LGBT rights could face sentences of up to 10 years. It’s worth noting that gay sex is already illegal in Ghana, carrying a three-year prison sentence.
The Ghanaian bishops, in a statement issued in August, alongside other prominent Christian groups, also expressed their desire for Western countries to refrain from imposing what they deemed “unacceptable foreign cultural values” on Ghana.
Cardinal Turkson, who has previously been considered a potential future pope, stressed that “LGBT people may not be criminalized because they’ve committed no crime.” He called for an extensive educational effort to help people better understand the LGBTQ+ community and to distinguish between criminal activities and personal identity.
The cardinal pointed out that in one of Ghana’s languages, Akan, there exists an expression referring to “men who act like women and women who act like men,” suggesting that homosexuality has historical roots in Ghanaian society. He also raised concerns about foreign donations and grants being tied to specific positions on LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultures that may not be ready to accept such changes.
While the debate on LGBTQ+ rights and decriminalization continues in Ghana, it reflects broader discussions happening across several African nations, where efforts to pass stringent anti-LGBT measures have become intertwined with international funding and human rights considerations. Uganda, for instance, recently approved a law proposing life imprisonment and even the death penalty for certain homosexual activities.
Cardinal Turkson’s advocacy for understanding and education in the context of LGBTQ+ rights highlights the complexities of this issue within Ghana and the broader African context.
Cardinal Turkson became the first-ever Ghanaian cardinal in 2003 when appointed by Pope John Paul II and currently serves as the chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences.