Supporters of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill have expressed readiness to confront the Coalition of 18 Civil Society Groups in court.
The Coalition, dubbed the ‘Big 18’, opposes the bill, citing concerns that it violates Ghana’s rich cultural and religious diversity.
They are considering legal action if President Akufo-Addo approves the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law.
The bill aims to criminalize LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana, with penalties of up to 3 years in jail for individuals and 5 years for promoters of such activities.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill was unanimously passed by Parliament on February 28, after nearly three years of deliberation.
The bill mandates a prison term of up to three years for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and imposes a maximum five-year jail sentence for those involved in the formation or funding of LGBTQ+ groups.
Efforts to substitute prison sentences with community service and counseling were thwarted by MPs’ frustration.
Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development and a member of the Coalition, Audrey Gadzekpo emphasised their readiness to challenge the bill in court.
The Member of Parliament for Ho West, who supports the bill, affirmed readiness for potential court action.
“We are prepared since the inception of this bill in 2021. We’ve had so many opposition from the lives of Audrey Gadzekpo, Takyiwaa Manuh, Akoto Ampaw and the rest who stood against this bill including some advocates who think that this bill should not be passed. But thankfully we passed it,” Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah said.
He added that “in any case, we are prepared.”