The Ghana Parliament has passed a bill aimed at addressing human sexual rights and family values, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill. Introduced by Sam Nartey George, the MP for Ningo-Prampram, the bill is titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
According to reports, the bill prohibits LGBTQ activities and makes it illegal to promote, advocate, or fund them. Individuals caught engaging in such activities could face jail sentences ranging from six months to three years, while those supporting or promoting them may be sentenced to three to five years in prison.
This development comes after years of the bill being in parliament, undergoing various stages and facing both backlash and efforts by opponents to block or amend it.
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Homosexuality is currently prohibited by law in Ghana, with offenders facing up to three years in prison. The new legislation seeks to extend the maximum sentence to five years and criminalize the distribution of materials supportive of LGBTQ rights.
Despite concerns raised by civil society, including the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, urging President Nana Akufo-Addo to reject the bill, Parliament approved it. However, the bill will require the President’s approval to take effect.
There is uncertainty regarding whether President Akufo-Addo will approve the bill. In the past, he has refrained from approving privately sponsored bills due to legal concerns related to the country’s constitution.
The United Nations has previously expressed concerns about the potential impacts of similar legislation, warning of state-sponsored discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. In neighboring Uganda, strict anti-LGBT legislation was implemented in 2021, including severe penalties such as the death penalty for certain homosexual acts.
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