Parliament has imposed custodial sentences for the promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.
The legislation, approved with strong backing from lawmakers, mandates a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years imprisonment for those found guilty of actively advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Under the provisions of the bill, individuals caught engaging in LGBTQ+ activities will face a lesser penalty of a minimum of six months and a maximum of three years behind bars.
The measure, aimed at what legislators term as the “promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values,” has stirred heated debate within the country.
During parliamentary proceedings, MP Sam Nartey George of Ningo Prampram defended the bill, asserting that it was not intended to intrude on individuals’ private lives but rather to deter advocacy efforts promoting LGBTQ+ rights.
“What created the confusion was the establishment of an advocacy of the promotion of the activities, that is what Ghanaians are against,” he stated.
Critics of the legislation argue that it violates fundamental human rights and targets marginalized communities. International human rights organizations have condemned the move, urging the Ghanaian government to reconsider its stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
The passing of this bill reflects ongoing societal tensions regarding LGBTQ+ issues in Ghana. While some view it as a necessary measure to uphold traditional values, others see it as a regression in the fight for equality and inclusion.
