Umm Muhammed Umar

Leaders of major churches in Ghana, have come together to denounce homosexuality as a perversion and an abomination. They have endorsed legislation that would impose harsh anti-LGBTQ policies on the continent.

The umbrella body for Christian churches in Nigeria has described same-sex relationships as an evil which merits lengthy prison sentences, as is in the country’s existing law.

Africa News reports that in numerous African countries, Methodist bishops are preparing to join a breakaway denomination so they can continue to refusing to reject same-sex marriage. This will also enable them to escape being forced to ordain LGBTQ clergy.

According to Africa News, Ghana, is considered to respect human rights more than most African countries. But even Ghana is to impose prison sentences ranging from 3 to 10 years for those ‘identifying’ as LGBTQ or supporting that ‘community’. While, human rights activists have denounced this, the countries religious leaders stand by it.

Caroline Omolo, associate pastor at the Cosmopolitan Affirming Community in Nairobi, Kenya, which serves a predominantly LGBTQ congregation, said, “The mainstream churches — all of them — they actually are totally against it.” Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, said, “Homosexuality is not a human right and we reject it in all uncertain terms.”

Lawmakers, meanwhile, had consulted influential religious leaders while drafting the anti LGBTQ bill.  Africa News reports that among those endorsing the bill were the country’s chief imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, as well as the Christian Council of Ghana, and the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

On the entire continent, only one country, South Africa, has legalized same-sex marriage.