Actor and politician, John Dumelo, has spoken out concerning the controversial “anti-gay bill” which is currently waiting to be signed into law by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
During an interview with Starr FM’s Bola Ray, John Dumelo expressed his support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stance on the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill,” often referred to as the anti-gay bill.
“What is the position of the party? The position of the NDC is that they believe in proper family values and so on and so forth and that is where I stand,” Dumelo firmly told the host who asked for his personal take on the issue. “I stand with the NDC that the bill should be passed.”
Anti-LGBTQ bill passage: “I stand with the position of the NDC” – John Dumelo wants the bill assented into law
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But, the Ghanaian actor, businessman, and NDC parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency also said he is not against anybody and what they do.. pic.twitter.com/473Rbj14FU
— Rightify Ghana (@RightifyGhana) April 6, 2024
After the interview surfaced online, Wanlov the Kubolor, a Ghanaian musician and a staunch advocate for LGBTQ Rights, took to X (formerly Twitter), to post a movie scene where John Dumelo played the role of a gay man, in an attempt to ridicule Dumelo’s views on the subject.
“I do not own the rights to this film. Just posting to show that the world is not a triangle,” Wanlov wrote.
The film in question is a Nigerian movie titled “Men in Love,” which featured John Dumelo and Nigeria’s Muna Obiekwe portraying the roles of two homosexual men in a relationship.
Advocates and supporters of LGBTQ rights highlighted that, under the bill’s provisions, Dumelo could potentially face legal consequences for his involvement in the film.
Just as we encourage every Ghanaian – including John Dumelo @johndumelo, journalists, creative arts professionals – to read the anti-LGBTQ bill, Mr. Dumelo and the producers of the 'Men in Love' movie would have been liable for prosecution (5 – 10yrs jail) if it was done today… https://t.co/P69kS89WcR pic.twitter.com/A1d3TYOtxg
— Activism Ghana (@ActivismGhana) April 7, 2024
Ghana’s proposed anti-LGBTQ+ bill seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ advocacy, same-sex relationships, and the expression of LGBTQ+ identity. The bill has drawn domestic and international criticism due to concerns about human rights violations.