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| (Cardinal Peter Turkson) |
Cardinal Peter Turkson, a prominent figure in the Roman Catholic Church in Ghana, has spoken out against the criminalization of homosexuality, emphasizing the need for broader understanding and education surrounding the issue. His sentiments contrast with the views expressed by other Roman Catholic bishops in Ghana, who have deemed homosexuality as "despicable".
His comments come at a pivotal time as the parliament of Ghana deliberates a bill that proposes severe penalties for individuals within the LGBT community. Interestingly, these remarks also follow Pope Francis's recent indication of a willingness to consider the blessing of same-sex couples within the Catholic Church, although he emphasized the Church's continued stance that same-sex relationships are "objectively sinful", and that same-sex marriage would not be recognized.
Ghanaian legislators have previously supported measures outlined in a pending bill, aiming to impose harsh penalties, including imprisonment, on individuals identifying as LGBT. This proposal adds to the existing legal framework where gay sex is criminalized with a three-year prison sentence.
Cardinal Turkson stressed that individuals within the LGBT community should not be deemed as criminals, highlighting the imperative need for educational initiatives to foster a better understanding of this complex issue. He emphasized the necessity of discerning between criminal acts and non-criminal expressions, advocating for a more informed approach to address the nuances associated with homosexuality.
Referencing cultural expressions within Ghanaian society, Cardinal Turkson pointed to the Akan language's recognition of individuals who present themselves in non-traditional gender roles, suggesting that such gender norms are not entirely foreign to Ghanaian culture.
Moreover, he expressed his belief that heightened international pressure and the linkage of foreign aid to certain policy positions have markedly influenced the current efforts to enact stringent anti-LGBT measures across various African nations.
The Cardinal's stand is significant, especially in light of recent developments in the region, such as Uganda's approval of a law proposing life imprisonment for homosexuality and the imposition of the death penalty in specific cases. Such actions have generated international responses—such as the World Bank's suspension of new loans to Uganda and the US's decision to remove the country from a preferential trading arrangement due to human rights violations.
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Cardinal Peter Turkson, who holds a prominent position within the Roman Catholic Church and is widely regarded as a potential future candidate for the pope, has diligently advocated for a nuanced and informed stance on the issue of homosexuality, emphasizing the importance of broader societal understanding and education.
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