Ghana Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

Ghana’s Parliament has approved legislation aimed at curtailing LGBTQ+ rights and activities within the country, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in West Africa.

Under the new law, individuals engaged in LGBTQ+ activities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors of such acts could be sentenced to three to five years in jail. Additionally, the bill imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

The passage of the bill follows a divisive debate in Parliament, during which attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counselling were vehemently opposed and ultimately rejected. The legislation, backed by both major political parties, awaits the assent of President Nana Akufo-Addo to become law, although he has not confirmed whether he will sign it.

The bill has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, with human rights activists and organisations expressing concerns about its potential impact on the fundamental rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals. Amnesty International warned that the legislation poses significant threats to LGBTQ+ people and could lead to witch-hunts and persecution.

The proposed law also includes provisions for harsh penalties, such as up to 10 years in jail for anyone involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns targeting children, and encourages the public to report members of the LGBTQ+ community to authorities for “necessary action.”

The legislation is seen as a response to the opening of Ghana’s first LGBTQ+ community centre in Accra in January 2021, which was subsequently shut down by police following public protests and pressure from religious and traditional leaders. The bill reflects the sentiments expressed by these groups, who view LGBTQ+ identities as incompatible with Ghanaian culture and family values.

Although the approved bill represents a toned-down version of an earlier draft, with shorter jail terms and the removal of controversial clauses, it still reflects a significant tightening of restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. The passage of this legislation underscores the growing opposition to LGBTQ+ rights in the conservative nation and raises concerns about the future treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals and activists within Ghanaian society.