Ghanaian actor and politician John Dumelo is facing criticism over his stance on the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Accusations have been made against Dumelo by some individuals, questioning his convictions regarding the bill after his appearance in a Nigerian gay movie titled “Men in Love” 14 years ago.
During an interview with Starr FM’s Bola Ray, Dumelo expressed his alignment with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) position on the bill, emphasizing the party’s support for the protection of “family values” in Ghana.
While he did not disclose his personal stance, Dumelo mentioned that he respects individuals’ privacy.
However, these comments have sparked backlash from critics, with some pointing out Dumelo’s past role in the movie “Men in Love,” where he portrayed a gay character. Despite his role in the film, Dumelo previously denied being gay, stating that the movie aimed to depict homosexuality as a result of demonic influence rather than promoting it.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, was recently passed by Parliament after three years of deliberation. The bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, with strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in such activities.
Although the bill has faced opposition from international organizations and individuals within the country, President Akufo-Addo has withheld his assent after a legal challenge was brought to the Supreme Court questioning its constitutionality.
The passage of the bill has been described as “profoundly disturbing” by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. The President’s decision to withhold assent has caused tension with members of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
