Ghana’s parliament has passed a legislation that intensifies a crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ people and those promoting lesbian, gay or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the West African country.
The bill, termed as ‘one of its kind in Africa’ states those who take part in LGBTQ sexual acts could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years. The bill also imposes a prison sentence of three to five years for the “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities”.
A coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders sponsored the legislation. Following the vote in parliament, the bill will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo after which he has seven days to assent or refuse to assent, according to Ghana’s constitution.
The President has previously avoided the heated debate but said he’ll react once its voted by parliament. If he assents, the bill becomes law. However, activist groups have called the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values” bill a setback for human rights and urged the head of state to reject it.
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the United Nations Aids agency UNAIDS, said in a statement that the bill will affect everyone if it became law, adding that punitive laws as embodied by the bill, are a barrier to ending AIDS, and ultimately undermine everyone’s health.
“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,” Byanyima said in a the statement.
She further stated that if the bill becomes law, it will obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardize Ghana’s development success.
Similarly, a human rights coalition known as the Big 18, an umbrella group of lawyers and activists in Ghana, has condemned the bill.“You cannot criminalise a person’s identity and that’s what the bill is doing and it’s absolutely wrong,” said Takyiwaa Manuh, a member of the coalition.
