Ghana’s New Law Makes It Illegal to Be LGBTQ+, Penalties Up to 5 Years in Prison

In a significant move, Ghana’s parliament has passed a stringent new bill targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, imposing severe penalties including imprisonment for those convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+ or supporting related activities.

Under the newly approved legislation, individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ face up to three years in prison, while forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups can result in a maximum five-year jail term. The bill, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill, represents one of Africa’s toughest anti-LGBTQ legislations.

Notably, the passing of the bill has stirred controversy, with Andrew Solomon, a known LGBTQ activist and ally of John Mahama, announcing he won’t support Mahama’s campaign. The bill, championed by opposition lawmaker Sam George, awaits the president’s signature to become law.

However, the bill’s critics, including members of Ghana’s LGBTQ community and human rights activists, denounce it as a violation of human rights. Takyiwaa Manuh, a member of the “Big 18” coalition, emphasizes that criminalizing one’s identity is unjust, urging President Nana Akufo-Addo not to assent to the bill.

Alex Donkor, founder of “LGBT+ Rights Ghana,” warns that the bill will exacerbate the marginalization and endangerment of LGBTQ individuals in Ghana.

While the bill faces widespread condemnation and awaits validation by the president, its enactment into law remains uncertain, particularly in the lead-up to the December election. President Akufo-Addo’s stance on the bill’s approval is yet to be confirmed.

Key Points

1. Ghana’s parliament passes a tough new bill targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, imposing up to three years in prison for identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.
2. Known LGBTQ activist Andrew Solomon announces he won’t support John Mahama’s campaign following the bill’s passing.
3. The bill, dubbed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill, is one of Africa’s strictest anti-LGBTQ legislations.
4. Critics, including LGBTQ community members and human rights activists, condemn the bill as a violation of human rights.
5. Opposition lawmaker Sam George sponsors the bill and urges President Nana Akufo-Addo to approve it.
6. The bill’s passage sparks concerns about further marginalization and endangerment of LGBTQ individuals in Ghana.
7. President Akufo-Addo’s stance on the bill’s approval remains uncertain, with observers questioning its likelihood before the December election.