Ghana Parliament Passes Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill Amidst International Condemnation

Ghana’s parliament has ignited a firestorm of controversy by passing a contentious bill aimed at severely restricting LGBTQ rights, drawing sharp criticism from human rights groups and international observers. The legislation, titled the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values” bill, received overwhelming support in parliament, signaling a significant setback for LGBTQ rights in the West African nation.

The bill, which still awaits validation by President Nana Akufo-Addo, has been denounced by activists as a direct assault on human rights. While observers speculate on the bill’s fate, its passage has already sparked fierce debate ahead of the country’s general election scheduled for December.

Spearheaded by a coalition comprising Christian, Muslim, and traditional Ghanaian leaders, the bill sailed through parliament with little opposition, highlighting widespread support within the country. President Akufo-Addo has unequivocally stated that gay marriage will never be tolerated under his leadership.

Under the provisions of the bill, same-sex relations could lead to imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, with even harsher penalties for advocates of LGBTQ rights, potentially facing jail terms of three to five years.

The passing of the bill has triggered international condemnation, with UN rights chief Volker Turk calling for its rejection, emphasizing that consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized. Similarly, the US State Department expressed deep concern over the legislation, warning that it would undermine constitutionally protected freedoms.

“I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT,” wrote the US Embassy in Ghana on X. “The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press. It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghana’s international reputation and Ghana’s economy.”

Pan Africa ILGA (the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) vehemently condemned the anti-LGBTIQ+ legislation passed in Ghana’s parliament, asserting that “This regressive law not only violates fundamental human rights but fosters discrimination, exclusion, and the stigmatization of the LGBTIQ+ community in Ghana.”

Critics argue that the bill violates fundamental human rights and perpetuates discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Takyiwaa Manuh, a member of the human rights coalition known as the Big 18, condemned the legislation as “absolutely wrong” and urged President Akufo-Addo not to assent to it.

Meanwhile, members of Ghana’s LGBTQ community express deep concern over the bill’s implications, fearing further marginalization and persecution. Alex Donkor, founder of LGBT+ Rights Ghana, warns that the legislation legitimizes discrimination and poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals.

Ghana joins a list of around 30 African countries that criminalize homosexuality, underscoring broader challenges faced by LGBTQ communities across the continent. While South Africa stands as the only nation to legalize gay marriage, many countries continue to enforce punitive measures against same-sex relations, highlighting ongoing struggles for LGBTQ rights in Africa.