In a move that has stirred controversy and drawn condemnation from rights activists, Ghana’s parliament has voted to pass a contentious bill aimed at severely restricting LGBTQ rights in the country.
Sponsored by a coalition of religious and traditional leaders, the legislation garnered significant support among lawmakers and was approved by parliament on Wednesday. The bill, known as the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values” bill, targets not only individuals engaged in LGBTQ sexual acts but also those advocating for the rights of gay, lesbian, or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities. Offenders could face imprisonment under the provisions of the bill.
Despite being one of the harshest pieces of legislation of its kind in Africa, the bill still requires validation by the president before becoming law. However, observers believe this is unlikely to happen before the general election scheduled for December.
Rights activists have strongly criticized the bill, viewing it as a setback for human rights in Ghana. They have called on President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government to reject the legislation. However, the bill enjoys wide support in the country, particularly among religious and traditional leaders.
Gay sex is already illegal in Ghana, but discrimination against LGBTQ individuals is widespread, and there have been no prosecutions under the existing colonial-era law.
Under the new bill, individuals participating in LGBTQ sexual acts could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years. Additionally, those found guilty of promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities could be sentenced to three to five years in prison.
Critics of the bill argue that it violates the human rights of the LGBTQ community. Takyiwaa Manuh, a member of the coalition opposing the bill, stated, “You cannot criminalize a person’s identity, and that’s what the bill is doing, and it’s absolutely wrong.”
Opposition lawmaker Sam George, who sponsored the bill, urged President Akufo-Addo to assent to it, claiming that it effectively addresses LGBTQ issues.
However, members of Ghana’s LGBTQ community fear the implications of the bill. Founder and director of LGBT+ Rights Ghana, Alex Donkor, expressed concern that the legislation would further marginalize and endanger LGBTQ individuals in the country, fostering an environment of fear and persecution.
"With harsh penalties for both LGBTQ individuals and activists, this bill threatens the safety and well-being of an already vulnerable community," Donkor emphasized.