We’ll ensure that embassies that victimise MPs over LGBTQI+ are closed down – Muntaka

Minority Chief Whip and MP for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak has served notice to officials of foreign embassies in Ghana that any attempt to victimise Ghanaian MPs over the passing of the LGBTQI+ bill, will lead to the closure of that embassy.

Speaking in an interview on a Kumasi-based Abusua FM, on Thursday, the MP stated that the Minority in Parliament will hold demonstrations to push for the closure of embassies that victimise MPs over the passing of the bill.

He also emphasised that no amount of intimidation will stop Parliament from passing the bill.

“If we find any embassy that uses this [the passing of the bill] to deny MPs visas, we’ll organise a demonstration to close down that embassy,” he said.

LGBTQI+ has been a subject of discussion following calls for the passing of a bill opposing the activities of the gay community.

The bill, which has been laid before Parliament, is sponsored by eight Members of Parliament.

Following the call for the passing of the anti-gay bill, there have been hints that some embassies will victimise persons from countries opposing the activities of the gay community.

In reaction to such comments, the Asawase MP shared the view that no country has the power to impose its culture on others, thus, denying people entry into countries over their opposition to the activities of the LGBTQI+ community will not be in the right direction.

He has, therefore, cautioned countries to be circumspect about their dealings with others over the issue since any action that will not be in favor of persons in support of the bill, will trigger a similar reaction.

“No country can dictate to us. If they dare deny any of our MPs visas based on this, we will also ensure that nobody from their countries gets entry visas to Ghana,” he said.

“They can deny us grants based on this, we can’t force them not to. But when they say our MPs can’t visit their country based on this, we will also ensure that nobody from their country enters our country,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has suggested that the Executive, through the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame could sponsor the anti-LGBT bill, instead of the current approach of its being laid before parliament through private members.

Speaking to Joy News he said when this is done, it will forestall possible legal challenges against the bill when passed into law.