Ghana Parliament Passes Strict Anti-LGBTQ Laws

 Ghana's parliament has passed legislation tightening restrictions on LGBTQ rights and advocacy.

LGBTQ rights supporters at the Seoul Queer Culture Festival on July 1 in South Korea. Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The new law extends the penalty for gay sex to a maximum of five years in prison and targets those actively promoting LGBTQ activities.

• Angel Maxine, Ghana's first openly transgender musician and activist, expressed deep disappointment over the legislation.

• The bill was sponsored by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and traditional Ghanaian leaders.

• President Nana Akufo-Addo has seven days to decide whether to approve or reject the bill.

• Winnie Byanyima of UNAIDS warned that the law, if enacted, would hinder efforts to combat AIDS and undermine fundamental freedoms.

• Byanyima emphasized that the legislation could incite violence and impede access to essential services, potentially jeopardizing Ghana's development.

Read Also:

Pastor Dorcas' Heartfelt Birthday Message to her Husband Gachagua

Four Workers At St Andrews School, Turi Electrocuted

KFCB Bans Embarambamba, Getumbe Songs 'Niko Uchi', 'Yesu Ninyandue' For Mocking Christianity

Ghana Parliament Passes Strict Legislation Targeting LGBTQ Rights

Ghana's parliament has approved new legislation aimed at tightening restrictions on LGBTQ individuals and those advocating for non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the West African nation.

Previously, gay sex carried a penalty of up to three years in prison. The newly passed bill extends this punishment, now imposing a maximum prison term of five years for actively promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.

Described as one of the continent's harshest laws of its kind, the bill has sparked widespread concern and condemnation.

Angel Maxine, Ghana's first openly transgender musician and LGBTQI+ activist, expressed deep distress over the development, emphasizing her disappointment. She asserted her identity, stating her pronouns as She/her/hers.

The legislation was sponsored by a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and traditional Ghanaian leaders.

After passing through parliament, the bill awaits presentation to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has seven days to decide whether to approve or reject it, in accordance with Ghana's constitution.

President Akufo-Addo, who had stayed neutral during the bill's debate, has indicated he will respond once parliament votes on the matter.

Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, warned of the far-reaching consequences if the bill becomes law. 

She emphasized that punitive measures, such as those outlined in the bill, hinder efforts to combat AIDS, fuel fear and hatred, and pose a threat to fundamental freedoms such as free speech, movement, and association.

Byanyima underscored that enacting the bill would impede access to essential services, undermine social protections, and jeopardize Ghana's developmental progress.