Ghana parliament pass stringent anti-gay law
https://observer.ug/index.php/news/headlines/80683-ghana-parliament-pass-stringent-anti-gay-law
February 29, 2024
Written by URN
Ghana's parliament passed legislation Wednesday that intensifies a crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ people and those promoting lesbian, gay or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the West African country.
Gay sex was already punishable by up to
three years in prison. The bill now also imposes a prison sentence of up
to five years for the "willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of
LGBTQ+ activities."
The bill is one of the harshest of its kind in Africa.
"My
heart is broken and devastated at the moment, that's all I can say for
now" Angel Maxine, Ghana's first openly transgender musician and LGBTQI+
activist, told Reuters, adding "My pronouns are she/ her/ hers."
A
coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders
sponsored the legislation. Following the vote in parliament, the bill
will be presented to President Nana Akufo-Addo after which he has seven
days to assent or refuse to assent, according to Ghana's constitution.
If
he assents, the bill becomes law. Akufo-Addo, had avoided the heated
debate over the bill, but said he'll react once it is voted by
parliament.
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the United
Nations AIDS agency UNAIDS, said in a statement that the bill would
affect everyone if it became law, adding that punitive laws as embodied
by the bill, are a barrier to ending AIDS and ultimately undermine
everyone's health.
"It will exacerbate fear and hatred, could
incite violence against fellow Ghanaian citizens, and will negatively
impact on free speech, freedom of movement and freedom of association,"
Byanyima said in the statement.
"If it becomes law, it will
obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and
jeopardize Ghana's development success," she said.