Ghana Passes Controversial Legislation Intensifying Crackdown on LGBTQ+ Rights

(CTN News) – Ghana’s parliament enacted legislation on Wednesday that tightens restrictions on the rights of LGBTQ individuals and those who promote lesbian, gay, or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities in the West African country.

Gay sex was once punishable by up to three years in prison. The measure currently stipulates a prison penalty of up to five years for the “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities”

Human Rights Concerns Rise as Ghana Strengthens Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws

Ghana’s parliament enacted legislation on Wednesday that tightens restrictions on the rights of LGBTQ individuals and those who promote lesbian, gay, or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities in the West African country.

Gay sex was once punishable by up to three years in prison. The measure currently stipulates a prison penalty of up to five years for the “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities”

If he agrees, the bill becomes law. Akufo-Addo had avoided the heated debate over the measure, but said he would respond once it was passed by parliament.

Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the United Nations Aids agency UNAIDS, said in a statement that if the bill becomes law, it will affect everyone. She said that punitive measures, such as those included in the bill, are a barrier to eradicating AIDS and, ultimately, weaken 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,” the statement read.

“If it becomes law, it will obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardise Ghana’s development success,” she went on to say.