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30.07.2015 Opinion

RE: Ghana Same-Sex Marriage Discussions

By Bishop Nyanyo Nyhira
RE: Ghana Same-Sex Marriage Discussions
30.07.2015 LISTEN

I have observed with keen concern discussions going on in the media and the Ghanaian society on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) relationships in recent times. There have been various views on the topic, but few of those views seem to clearly understand or have thought through why someone or some people will "choose" to become gay. Do people really "choose" to be within the LGBTI family? Are there no God's children within the LGBTI family? Are LGBTI people devils and therefore destined for hell? What is the role of those who parade themselves as heroes of morality and integrity?

Having read through lots of the commentary from people in society and the clergy on the issue of gay relationships and its implications on Ghana, I feel there is some level of ignorance there.

Ghana has a marriage law and there is no law that allows same-sex marriage and so a smart leader or ‘protector of morals’ should know what the marriage laws states. Also, if two LGBTI people marry in their closet, I don’t see who will recognize it as a binding union. Individuals can still instruct their wills in the name of the person they love and want to inherit them.

LGBTI people are been used as a diversion of attention from other important national issues such as water, electricity, corruption, monetary policy and poverty. What is happening today is a disregard for sexual diversity in our society and exploitation of the ignorance of the public using Judeo-Christian traditions which are themselves 'foreign cultures' which therefore makes the argument that LGBTI is 'unAfrican' invalid.

Question is, do people "choose" to be LGBTI? Having being with, talked, walked and fellowshipped with other LGBTI people in Ghanaian society for the past twenty years, I am confident in asserting that most believe they are born that way. Most due to the violence and attacks will like to be helped to “fit” into society even though they know it would not be possible. They express interest in joining programs that will make life better for them such as vocational trainings and other scholarships to study to improve their status in society. Few also mention they would love to have the church accept them and help them improve their life and wellbeing. In all, none think they choose to be LGBTI.

They are just born that way. We have to be compassionate and acknowledge that even if LGBTI people "choose" their lifestyles ( a contention, which is palpably false) it is their life, and the least we can do is to leave them be, and make sure no harm comes to them through us or others. LGBTI people are ordinary people in our society going through the struggles of life and working to improve their lives and wellbeing. Due to the social stigma, stereotypes and pressures, some choose heteronormative relationships and marriages to deflect undue attention. The least we can offer as a society is to show sincere compassion.

Despite the hostility, some individual LGBTI persons manage to thrive in this society - often through a good cover up of their true sexual identities. Some choose to go public and claim they have been 'changed' by the church through “Jesus” yet they are still found on the gay “market” struggling for partners like any other. So, are people paid to become LGBTI? Who, when, where and how?

A question I have seen and heard people raise is the issue of salvation and eternal Life. I have often asked myself, are LGBTI persons not children of God too? Aren't all peoples irrespective of sexual orientation children of God too? Or, do they cease to become children of God because of the intrinsic sexuality they have? Is God's love reserved for only straight people? Can they be brought back to his kingdom according to his word?

Scriptures (Bible) is clear with the issues of salvation and sin. Sin is everything that is evil in Gods sight. Let us note (everything) evil. I feel the church and its members are over emphasizing on the LGBTI community instead of focusing on the salvation of the flock, some of whom are in the LGBTI community.

There is corruption-celebration in the church of God where most poor member are not treated with any respect because they do not have the means to contribute to tithes, welfare and special offerings. The clergy and church membership conveniently ignores these pressing matters and elect to pick on decent people in our society. How many pastors today drive and pick up members on their way to the church? How many church members are refused burial because they didn’t pay 'welfare dues'? God help us all to remain steadfast till his coming. There are lots of gay people in the world and the church should find the right platforms and strategies to reach out to them if they really see them as “sinners”. I think there are more sinners in the church and in politics than the LGBTI people I have known though.

So, are LGBTI evil? Do they go around killing and robbing people? Do they cause any pains or harm to people? Do they take monies from the poor in the name of God to protect and improve the lives of rich people in their society? A friend once answered "Yes" to these questions on grounds that LGBTI persons spread HIV.*Facepalm*. While that is patently false, if we assume it were true, we then have to be compassionate and start putting in place programs and structures that will ensure medical services and programs for citizens are friendly and open to all including LGBTI people so that we can curb the infection of more people. We have to actively engage and address their challenges with the foresight that the issues affecting minorities will come full circle staring us in the face if not strategically and truthfully addressed.

In a research carried out by Cobbinah, Mac-Darling (2013), - “according to Johnson (2005). He claims “the silence denied truth, for throughout history same-sex practice has been prevalent here as anywhere else in the world. The silence wrought injustice, for it was born from the repression and fear and from the disrespect for the humanity of those who yearn, desired, loved and embraced.”

In conclusion, LGBTI-haters need to sit and reflect on what they will do if they found out that a child, friend, brother or sister is not heterosexual. Alienate them? Abuse them? So much for love of family and friends!

LGBTI people are trapped in their bodies. It just is! My opinion is that LGBTI people are not the problem but ourselves and the earlier we learn to get over our heteronormative arrogance and set to work to improve life for all, the better; instead of protecting the rich and affluent in society and despising poor defenseless people because of whom they are having sex with. It is heartwarming to see organizations and groups working actively for the betterment of the lives of LGBTI persons and for the greater good of society. No man choose to be LGBTI but more people are choosing to be homophobic.

Bishop Nyanyo Nyhira
Communication for Social Change, Ghana

CEPEHRG,
Ghana
Email: [email protected]

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