Ghana passed a bill that restricts LGBTQ rights, a man was arrested in Qatar for his sexuality, and the police are allowed to march in a Pride parade in Sydney.
Ghana’s Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ Bill
A bill that restricts LGBTQ rights passed in Ghana’s parliament.
According to Al Jazeera, the bill calls for prison time for those who take part in LGBTQ sexual acts and people who promote the rights of gay, lesbian or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities.
“You cannot criminalize a person’s identity and that’s what the bill is doing, and it’s absolutely wrong,” said Takyiwaa Manuh, a member of the human rights coalition known as the Big 18.
The bill still has to be validated by the president before entering into law. However, Al Jazeera reports that the current president, Nana Akufo-Addo, has previously stated that gay marriage will never be allowed while he is in power.
Man Arrested in Qatar For His Sexuality
Manuel Guerrero Aviña. Photo via @QatarFreeManuel, X (formerly Twitter).
Manuel Guerrero Aviña, the former manager of British Airway, was arrested in Qatar, seemingly, for being gay.
According to the Mirror, the arrest occurred after Aviña replied to a fake message on Grindr.
His family told news outlets that life-saving HIV medication is being refused while he is in prison.
“Qatar police used a false Grindr profile to contact Manuel and invite him to participate in a meeting with other people from the LGBT community in the city of Doha,” Manuel’s brother, Enrique, told the Mirror.
Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and does not protect against LGBTQ discrimination.
The British Embassy is dealing with this case, and the Mexican Embassy in Qatar has been in contact with his family.
Police To March At Sydney Pride Parade
Photo via mardigras.org.au.
Despite protests, the NSW police will be allowed to march in plainclothes in Sydney Mardi Gras.
This comes after a 28-year-old Sydney police officer was charged with two counts of murder for his alleged involvement in the disappearance of Jesse Baird and his partner Luke Davies.
According to The Guardian, after the arrest, the board for Mardi Gras asked the force to not march in the parade, making it the first time they would be excluded since 1998.
However, an agreement was reached that the police officers will march in plain clothes.
“I am delighted that our LGBTQIA+ officers, as well as our other police who are allies and supporters, will be allowed to march this year as they have done for the past 20 years,” said Karen Webb, the NSW police commissioner.
Protesters were upset at the decision and, via social media, accused the Mardi Gras board of “cracking under police pressure.”
One user wrote, “The revelations of continuing incompetence and disregard for community safety, as seen in the case of officer Lamarre, are only the latest demonstration that NSW police are not suitable, deserving or welcome to take part in the queer community’s premier annual celebrations.”
