Ghana’s parliament has passed a new bill that imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ+.
It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding or sponsoring LGBTQ+ parties.
Lawmakers heckled down attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counseling.
The bill, which had the backing of Ghana’s two major political parties, will come into effect only if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law.
He previously said that he would do so if the majority of Ghanaians wanted him to.
Gay sex is already against the law in Ghana – it 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+ ghana.
There will now be fear against members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who campaign for their rights, and say some will have to go into hiding.
| Parliament of Ghana | |
|---|---|
| Long title: Bill to provide for human sexual rights and family values and for related matters | |
| Territorial extent | Ghana |
| Legislative history | |
| Committee responsible | Legal and Parliamentary Affairs |
| Considered by the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee | March 2023 |
| Second reading | 27 February 2024 |
| Voting summary | 275 voted for None voted against |
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