Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s parliament recently passed a controversial bill that introduces harsh penalties for those involved with LGBTQ+ activities in the country. The bill includes a provision for up to three years in prison for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for those who support or create LGBTQ+ groups. This move reflects a growing trend of opposition to LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, a conservative nation in West Africa. The bill, supported by both major political parties in Ghana, will only become law if President Nana Akufo-Addo gives his approval.
The legislation has sparked criticism from human rights activists and international organizations. Amnesty International has warned that the bill could violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals. Critics fear that the new law will lead to increased discrimination, harassment, and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. Some activists have even expressed concerns about the potential for witch-hunts targeting LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
In response to the opening of Ghana’s first LGBTQ+ community center in Accra in 2021, the government proposed the bill. The center was subsequently closed by the police following public backlash and pressure from religious and traditional leaders in the predominantly Christian nation. The Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council issued a joint statement asserting that LGBTQ+ identities are incompatible with Ghanaian culture and family values.
The approved bill is a revised version of an earlier draft, with certain aspects being toned down, such as shorter jail terms and the removal of a contentious clause on conversion therapy. During parliamentary debates on the bill, there were discussions around potential amendments, including the possibility of replacing prison sentences with community service and counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, these proposals were met with opposition from lawmakers who favored harsher penalties.
Despite the criticism and concerns surrounding the bill, supporters argue that it is necessary to uphold Ghana’s societal norms and values. The debate around LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana is ongoing, with differing opinions on how best to address the issue while respecting human rights and individual freedoms. The outcome of this legislation will have significant implications for the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana and could set a precedent for similar laws in other countries in the region.