The new Human Sexual Rights And Ghanaian Family Values Bill will mean that anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA could face up to three years in prison
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY PEXELS
Ghana has passed a strict bill which will make identifying as LGBTQIA or campaigning for LGBTQIA rights illegal. The new Human Sexual Rights And Ghanaian Family Values Bill will mean that anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA could be sentenced to three years in prison, and anyone funding queer groups could be given a maximum of five years jail terms.
Lawmakers refused attempts to replace prison time with community service and counselling. Backed by both of the major political parties in Ghana, the bill will only come into effect if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law.
Last month Amnesty International voiced their concerns over the bill, stating that it would pose “significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms of LGBTI persons”.
This stringent new bill will place LGBTQIA people in Ghana in huge danger, especially those who are involved in LGBTQIA advocacy campaigns aimed at children who could now receive up to 10 years in prison.
Winnie Byanyima, the UNAIDS executive director, commented on the bill: “If Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill becomes a law, it 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.”
MPs stated that the bill was first drafted in January 2021, after the opening of the first LGBTQIA community centre in the capital, Accra.
Gay sex is already illegal in Ghana and carries a three-year sentence.
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