Ghana Passes Anti-LGBTQ Bill: How Would It Impact?

The Parliament of Ghana has voted to pass the controversial “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values” bill that imposes stringent punishment on LGBTQ+. Gay sex was already punishable by up to three years in prison, which has now escalated to five years. The bill punishes those who engage in LGBTQ+ sexual acts or "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities." Activist groups have called the bill a setback for human rights and urged Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government to reject it.

Notably, Akufo-Addo has previously shown indifference to LGBTQ+ rights and claimed that he will never allow gay marriage while he is in power. According to reports, the Ghana anti-LGBTQ bill is unlikely to be validated before the West African country goes to the polls in December 2024. 

Ghana To Criminalise LGBTQ+

The Ghanaian parliament has passed a bill that could criminalise and propose stringent punishment for LGBTQ+. A group of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders sponsored the legislation that is favoured by most lawmakers and that passed in parliament on February 28. The bill was introduced three years ago and proposes up to five years in prison.

"My heart is broken and devastated at the moment, that's all I can say for now" Angel Maxine, Ghana's first openly transgender musician and LGBTQI+ activist, told Reuters. A coalition of human rights activists said in a statement. "This Bill seeks to infringe on, among others, the rights to dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to partake in processions, academic freedom, equality and non-discrimination."

Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the United Nations Aids agency UNAIDS, said in a statement that the bill would affect everyone if it became law, adding that such laws could be a barrier to ending AIDS and ultimately undermine everyone's health. She added, "If it becomes law, it will obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardize Ghana's development success," she said.

Byanyima added, "The bill will exacerbate fear and hatred, could incite violence against fellow Ghanaian citizens, and will negatively impact on free speech, freedom of movement and freedom of association." The bill, condemned as one of the harshest in Africa, has sparked controversy among international groups and LGBTQ rights activists.