Ursula Owusu-Ekuful Urges Women to Report Men Coercing Them To Have Oral, Anal Sex to Police
In a recent statement, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West and Minister of Communication, emphasized that anal and oral sex are considered unnatural carnal knowledge under existing laws. She specifically addressed women who are forced by their partners to engage in such acts, urging them to resist and report the perpetrators to the police for appropriate action.
Owusu-Ekuful’s remarks were made in the context of the ongoing debate surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ law currently under consideration in parliament. She clarified that regardless of the gender combination involved, both oral and anal sex are illegal in Ghana. She emphasized that any woman or young girl subjected to such practices under the guise of heterosexual sex should recognize that it is against the law and seek help from law enforcement agencies.
The MP’s comments sparked murmurs and giggles among members of parliament from both sides of the aisle. However, her intention was to shed light on the legal perspective and encourage victims to come forward.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, prohibit their promotion or advocacy, and provide protection and support for individuals, especially children, affected by LGBTQ+ issues. The bill received unanimous support from the majority of MPs, with the speaker inviting dissenting opinions to be voiced.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s call for women to report coerced sexual practices aligns with the broader societal discourse surrounding sexual consent and the importance of upholding legal rights. It serves as a reminder that individuals should be aware of their rights and seek assistance when confronted with unlawful actions.
