Rightify Ghana Slams Sam George LGBT+ Crime Claim

Rightify Ghana, a human rights advocacy group based in Ghana, have strongly criticised Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Ningo-Prampram, for his recent claim regarding the correlation between the acceptance of LGBT+ individuals in South Africa and the country’s high crime rate within Africa.

In a public statement released on X, dated Sunday, March 3, 2024, Rightify Ghana condemned George’s assertion as narrow-minded and lacking in evidence.

They highlighted that George has a history of making similar remarks that perpetuate discrimination and hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community.

The group denounced his statement as bigoted and without any factual basis, aligning it with his past rhetoric that has been consistently anti-LGBTQ+.

“Sam George, known for his offensive conduct and continuous anti-LGBTQ+ remarks, has once again made unfounded accusations,” wrote Rightify Ghana in their statement.

They emphasized that George’s role as the primary sponsor of Ghana’s recently enacted anti-LGBTQ+ legislation further exacerbates the harm caused by his words.

According to the advocacy group, George’s statements only serve to fuel hatred and intolerance, devoid of any factual substantiation.

During an interview with News Central TV, a Nigeria-based media outlet, on March 3, 2024, George defended the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-LGBT+ Bill, which was recently passed by the Ghanaian Parliament.

In his defense of the bill, George asserted that there is a direct link between homosexual activities and an increase in crime rates. He pointed to South Africa, a country that has enacted legislation supporting LGBT+ rights, as an example where he believes crime has risen due to these activities.

“Even on the African continent, which country has the highest crime rate? South Africa. Why? Because they’ve embraced homosexuality.

“It’s one of the growing factors in that country. Look at every country that has embraced this and look at what has happened to their crime rate. This has ripple effects on society as a whole,” he said.

Sam George added, “We’re not going to import the sickness and troubles of another country. We’ve got enough on our hands in Ghana and in Africa.” He stated.

George’s remarks have sparked widespread criticism from various quarters, with many accusing him of spreading misinformation and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights have denounced his claims as baseless and harmful to the community’s well-being. This incident has reignited the ongoing debate in Ghana surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and the impact of legislative measures targeting the community.