The recent passing of Ghana’s controversial new anti-LGBTQ bill by the parliament has sparked significant debate and international attention. The bill, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, is considered one of the harshest of its kind in Africa. It now awaits being signed into law by President Nana Akufo-Addo. Here are the key points about the bill and the international reactions it has garnered.
1. Scope and Criminalization:
The bill aims to “provide for proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.” If signed into law, it could make it illegal for individuals to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, nonbinary, queer, or any other sexual or gender identity that goes against the binary categories of male and female. Offenders could face up to three years in prison for identifying with such sexual or gender identities. Additionally, those found guilty of promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ activities could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.
2. International Reactions:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly condemned the bill. Türk emphasizes that the bill broadens the scope of criminal sanctions against LGBTQ individuals simply for being who they are. He calls for the bill not to become law and urges the Ghanaian government to ensure that everyone can live free from violence, stigma, and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. Background:
The bill was introduced to parliament in 2021 after the opening of Ghana’s first LGBTQ community center. The LGBTQ community faced an unprecedented anti-gay reaction, which led to the development of this bill. It is important to note that gay sexual acts are already illegal in Ghana, carrying a maximum prison sentence of up to three years.
4. Comparison to Other African Countries:
Out of Africa’s 54 countries, a total of 31 criminalize homosexuality. Ghana’s bill follows Uganda’s passage of the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill in 2023, highlighting the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights in the region.
5. International Concerns:
The United States has expressed deep concern about the bill, stating that it poses a threat to Ghanaian constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging the Ghanaian government to reconsider the implications of this bill on human rights.
The passing of Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ bill has raised significant concerns about the protection of LGBTQ rights and the potential for increased discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ community. Advocates for LGBTQ rights continue to call for the recognition and protection of the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
It is important to foster a society that respects and values diversity, promoting inclusivity and equal rights for all. The ongoing global conversation surrounding LGBTQ rights serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that every individual can live free from discrimination and prejudice.
