That’s their choice — 'Bold' James Gardiner advocates for LGBTQ rights

Despite widespread opposition in Ghana, actor James Gardiner staunchly defended LGBTQ rights.

The filmmaker said he has no problem with homosexuality, arguing that everyone has the right to their own choices.

He made the statement while discussing the issue on Accra-based UTV’s United showbiz on Saturday, April 1.

“I really don’t care what people do behind closed doors or who they get into bed with...That’s their thing,” he said.

Meanwhile, his colleague Jackie Appiah tactfully avoided delving into the controversial LGBTQ debate on the same show.

When asked her views on the issue, Miss Appiah politely asked the host to excuse her response.

“Please oo, I’m thinking about myself,” Miss Appiah said amid laughter from guests and the host of the Accra-based UTV’s United showbiz program on Saturday, April 1.

The LGBTQ issue has caused a stir in Ghana following US Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent criticism of any move to pass anti-gay legislation, arguing that it violates the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals.

“For the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the globe, including as well as the LGBTQ community, and I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for equality among all people,” Harris said at a joint news conference at the Jubilee House.

President Nana Akufo-Addo also disputed claims that the bill has been passed into law, clarifying that it remains an unofficial draft yet to be approved by parliament.

“It hasn't been passed, so the statement that there is legislation in Ghana to that effect is not accurate. Parliament is dealing with it and at the end of the process, I will come in,” Akufo-Addo said.

Meanwhile the bill against the LGBTQ+ community, the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill was on Thursday, March 30, laid for debate.