Ghana Passes Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Threatening Rights and Freedoms

Ghana’s parliament has passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+ and a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

The bill was approved unanimously after three years of deliberations. Proposed amendments were rejected by Speaker Alban Bagbin. The bill is the latest sign of growing opposition to LGBTQ+ rights in the conservative West African nation. It is now slated to be forwarded to President Akufo-Addo for his assent for it to be signed into law.

Amnesty International warned that the bill poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people. Activists fear witch-hunts against LGBTQ+ community members and those who campaign for their rights, and some may have to go into hiding. The bill also encourages the public to report members of the LGBTQ+ community to authorities for necessary action.