Ghana’s parliament approved a stringent new legislation that mandates a maximum prison term of three years for individuals found guilty of identifying as LGBTQ+.
Additionally, it enforces a maximum five-year imprisonment for the establishment or financing of LGBTQ+ organizations.
Efforts to substitute incarceration with community service and counseling were shouted down by legislators.
This development underscores the escalating resistance to LGBTQ+ rights in the traditionally conservative West African nation.
The bill, endorsed by Ghana’s predominant political factions, awaits enactment pending the signature of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
He had previously indicated willingness to approve it if it reflects the desires of the majority of Ghanaians.
Homosexual acts are already illegal in Ghana, punishable by a three-year jail term.
Amnesty International cautioned last month that the bill “poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Activists are concerned that this legislation will lead to persecution of LGBTQ+ community members and advocates, potentially forcing some into hiding.
The proposed legislation suggests a potential imprisonment of up to 10 years for individuals engaged in LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts targeting minors.
Furthermore, it promotes public reporting of LGBTQ+ individuals to authorities for “appropriate measures.”
Members of Parliament stated that the bill was formulated in reaction to the establishment of Ghana’s inaugural LGBTQ+ community hub in Accra, the capital, in January 2021.
Following public demonstrations and pressure from religious entities and traditional leaders in the predominantly Christian country, law enforcement authorities closed down the center.
The proposed legislation suggests a potential imprisonment of up to 10 years for individuals engaged in LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts targeting minors.
Furthermore, it promotes public reporting of LGBTQ+ individuals to authorities for “appropriate measures.”
Members of Parliament stated that the bill was formulated in reaction to the establishment of Ghana’s inaugural LGBTQ+ community hub in Accra, the capital, in January 2021.
Following public demonstrations and pressure from religious entities and traditional leaders in the predominantly Christian country, law enforcement authorities closed down the center.
At the time, the Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council said in a joint statement that being LGBTQ+ was “alien to the Ghanaian culture and family value system and, as such, the citizens of this nation cannot accept it”.
The legislation endorsed by legislators represents a diluted form of a previous draft, with shorter jail sentences and the exclusion of a contentious clause pertaining to conversion therapy.
Throughout the extensive debate spanning several days, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the deputy leader of the ruling party in parliament, proposed additional revisions.
He advocated for lawmakers to determine, through a secret ballot, whether individuals convicted of LGBTQ+ membership should receive court-ordered imprisonment or be directed to perform community service and undergo counseling.
However, his suggestion faced opposition from legislators favoring incarceration, ultimately silencing his proposal through heckling.