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A bill that criminalizes LGBTQ+ people and their supporters in Ghana drew international condemnation after it was passed by parliament. United Nations termed the bill as profoundly disturbing and urged the country not to go with it
A bill that criminalizes LGBTQ+ people and their supporters in Ghana drew international condemnation after it was passed by parliament. The United Nations termed the bill as profoundly disturbing and urged the country not to go with it.
In a statement, Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the Office of the UN High Commissioner, said the bill broadens the scope of criminal sanctions against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people simply for being who they are, and threatened criminal penalties against those perceived as their allies. It further said that consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalized. If the bill were allowed to become a law, it would be corrosive and would harm society as a whole.
The bill, which was voted through by parliament recently, was first introduced three years ago. It criminalizes relationships, sexual activity, and public displays of affection between members of the LGBTQ+ community. The bill also targets its supporters and the promotion and funding of LGBTQ+-related activities. Those convicted could face up to a decade in prison. The bill has been sent to the president’s desk to be signed into law. Earlier, the United States expressed concern over Ghana’s new law. The US State Department called for a review of the law’s constitutionality, warning it could harm public health, media, and the economy.
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Ghana has generally been considered to be more respectful of human rights than most African countries. Ever since the legislation passed through parliament, international condemnation has grown. The bill will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo after which he’ll have seven days to notify the speaker of parliament whether he assents to the bill or not, according to Ghana’s constitution.
