Accra, July 21, GNA - The Muslim community in Ghana on Thursday condemned the practice of homosexuality and lesbianism as well as same sex marriages being practiced by some members of the populace.

It said the practice was not only “demonic”, but an abominable act which if encouraged would lead to the spread of infectious diseases and halt procreation, which is an instruction from the Almighty God to humanity to reproduce their offspring.

Major Alhaji Mohammed Easah, National President of the Coalition of Muslim Community of Ghana (COMOG), who was addressing a press conference in Accra, said the Muslim community would strongly resist any attempt to legalise the practice of homosexuality, lesbianism and same sex marriages in Ghana.

He also demanded that all political parties must demonstrate their commitment to the fight against the menace by clearly articulating in their party manifestoes and policies, and how they would deal with the issue.

“The Muslim Community has resolved not to vote for any political party which fails to heed this demand,” he said.

The Muslim Community, which was represented by COMOG, Ahlusunna Wal Ja’maa, the Shia Muslim Community, Tijanniya Movement, Society of Muslim Preachers and Network of Muslims Youth Organisations, stated that there was ample evidence that the practice of homosexuality and lesbianism had contributed to the further spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Ghana.

Alhaji Easah argued that there was no moral justification by gay rights advocates on the subject, which, he said was alien, disgraceful, shameful and disgusting to the entire Ghanaian, cultural, societal and religious norms and practices.

He called upon all well meaning Ghanaians including politicians, the media, clergymen, Imams, traditional rulers and opinion leaders in the country to join in the crusade to eradicate the practice from the society.

He said the Muslim community was challenging Parliament to make an urgent public pronouncement on the subject as a starting point for government’s much awaited intervention, while “we also urge the National House of Chiefs to issue a statement as custodians of our culture on this issue”.

Alhaji Easah said the Muslim Community proposed that Parliament as a matter of urgency took a position on the issue with the passage of a Homosexuality and Lesbianism Bill, making the act a criminal offence which must attract stiff punishment such as long prison terms with hard labour and disqualification from consideration for appointment or promotion to any public office or position.

He also called upon traditional rulers and opinion leaders to assist the police in the identification and prosecution of homosexuals and lesbians, stressing that a person who failed to report such people when they were approached also committed an offence.