There have been growing concerns among Ghanaians, and those with interests in the country following the country’s passage of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ).
It would be recalled that on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the lawmakers in Ghana passed the controversial new anti-LGBTQ bill after months of debate that could make it illegal to identify as homosexual in the West African country.
Named -the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the bill was passed by the national legislature in a unanimous vote by the lawmakers.
Amongst other things, the bill aims to provide for proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.
While awaiting the signature of Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, before being adopted into the country’s law, the bill had already been tagged one of the harshest of its kind in Africa.
What the bill means
If signed into law, people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, nonbinary, queer … or any other sexual or gender identity that is contrary to the binary categories of male and female, could serve up to three years in prison.
READ ALSO: Accord Party’s Iyere is First Candidate to Pick Running Mate
While those found guilty of the promotion, sponsorship or support of LGBTQ+ activities could also face a prison sentence of up to five years in prison, the Ghanaian President said the bill was yet to be tabled before him.
Maintaining that Ghana would not backslide on its human rights record, Akufo-Addo disclosed that the controversial anti-gay bill had been challenged in court.
“I have learnt that a challenge has been mounted at the Supreme Court. In the circumstances, it would be as well for all of us to hold our hands and await the decision of the Court before any action is taken,” Akufo-Addo said.
US, UN displeased with Ghana’s anti-gay bill
The United Nations (UN) had joined the growing list of organizations criticizing the passage of anti-gay bill in Ghana.
UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk condemned the passage of the bill, calling for it not to become law.
“The bill broadens the scope of criminal sanctions against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual and queer people – simply for being who they are.
“I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma, and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized,” Türk stated.
Also, Alex Kofi Donkor, director of LGBT+ Rights Ghana, expressed his displeasure at the development.
“We expected some homophobic organizations would use the opportunity to exploit the situation and stoke tension against the community, but the anti-gay hateful reaction has been unprecedented,” Donkor said.
Saying it’s deeply troubled by the passage of the bill, the United States (US) government stated that it poses a threat to Ghanaian’s constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press and assembly.
“Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights is a source of stability and prosperity that has long served as a model for countries around the globe. This legislation is inconsistent with these values and will, if it becomes law, undermine this laudable tradition,” the US State Department stated.
Anti-gay movement in Africa?
Fintech Telex understands that no less than 31 of Africa’s 54 countries has criminalized homosexuality and the passage of Ghana’s bill follows Uganda’s recent passage of the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
