In a controversial move, Ghanaian lawmakers have overwhelmingly passed a bill criminalizing homosexual activity, brushing aside warnings from Western governments, including the US and France.
The legislation, officially titled the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill but widely known as the Anti-Gay Bill, received unanimous approval from parliament on Wednesday, marking the culmination of a three-year journey since its introduction in 2021. The bill now awaits the signature of President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Should the head of state endorse the law, individuals identifying as LGBTQ could face imprisonment for up to three years. Moreover, the legislation goes beyond criminalizing personal choices, penalizing gay rights advocacy with a maximum five-year jail term for those establishing or funding LGBTQ groups.
Reflecting on the contentious decision, Member of Parliament Sam George, a key sponsor of the bill, took to social media, writing, “After three long years, we have finally passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act. Our values would be protected and defended so long as we have a voice.”
Critics, however, argue that the bill infringes on human rights guaranteed under Ghana’s constitution. Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair of the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), is among those expressing concern about the potential violation of constitutional rights.
Internationally, the legislation has prompted condemnation. The United States, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed deep concern over the decision, citing potential threats to constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly for all Ghanaians.
The US further highlighted the inconsistency of the anti-gay bill with Ghana’s tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights—a tradition that has served as a model for countries worldwide. The statement echoed the calls of Ghanaians urging a review of the bill’s constitutionality to protect the rights of all individuals in the country.
This move in Ghana follows a similar law passed in Uganda last May, criminalizing identification as LGBTQ. In response, the US imposed travel restrictions on Ugandan officials, and Uganda was expelled from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a program enabling duty-free exports to the US.
Ghanaian MP Sam George, a staunch supporter of the anti-gay bill, has warned Washington against interference, asserting that Ghana would retaliate if the US imposed sanctions on lawmakers.
Ghana joins more than 30 African countries that have prohibited same-sex relationships, a stance at odds with calls from Western nations, such as France, urging the continent to align with the West in safeguarding gay rights.
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