Ghana’s parliament has passed a regressive new bill which imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
The bill also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for anyone who forms or funds LGBTQ+ groups and up to 10 years in jail for anyone involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns which are “aimed at children”. It also encourages the public to report members of the LGBTQ+ community to authorities.
The deputy parliamentary leader of the governing party, Alexander Afenyo-Marki suggested that lawmakers should consider replacing harsh prison sentences with community service and counselling, but he was heckled into submission by lawmakers who supported imprisoning LGBTQ+ people.
The new legislation, which was supported by both of Ghana’s two major political parties, awaits the signature of President Nana Akufo-Addo to become law. Akufo-Addo had previously said that he would only sign the bill into law if the majority of Ghanians agreed with the move.
The new legislation is the latest in a long line of extreme anti-LGBTQ+ measures in Ghana. Gay sex is already illegal in the country and carries a three-year prison sentence.
Last month, Amnesty International warned that the bill “poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of LGBTQ+ people. In addition, activists now fear there will now be witch-hunts against members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
The head of the UN body dedicated to tackling AIDS, Winnie Byanyima, said: “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.” She added that the bill would “obstruct access to life-saving services” and “jeopardise Ghana’s development success”.