In a move that has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, Ghana’s parliament has unanimously approved a controversial anti-homosexuality bill, intensifying debates over human rights and legal protections in the West African nation.
Announcing the landmark decision on Wednesday, Sam George, one of the bill’s main proponents, took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “After three long years, we have finally passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act.”
The bill, introduced in parliament in 2021, not only criminalizes LGBTQ relationships but also targets individuals and organizations advocating for LGBTQ rights, effectively widening the scope of anti-gay legislation in the country.
Throughout Africa, many countries still uphold colonial-era laws criminalizing same-sex activity. However, recent legislative efforts across the continent, including the bill in Ghana, underscore a concerning trend towards reinforcing and expanding anti-LGBTQ legislation.
A CNN investigation recently shed light on alleged connections between a US nonprofit and the drafting of homophobic laws in Africa, although the group has denied any involvement in such activities.
Before becoming law, the bill in Ghana awaits the signature of the country’s president, raising hopes among human rights advocates that the government may reconsider its stance.
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned Ghana’s parliament’s decision, describing it as “profoundly disturbing” and urging authorities not to enact the legislation.
Türk emphasized that the bill not only threatens LGBTQ individuals but also criminalizes allies and supporters of LGBTQ rights, highlighting the broad-reaching implications of the proposed law.
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, warned that if the bill were to become law, it would impede Ghana’s progress in combating HIV and AIDS, affecting all individuals and undermining the country’s development efforts.
Byanyima stressed the importance of inclusive approaches in addressing public health challenges, emphasizing the need to ensure equal access to essential services without fear of discrimination or stigma.
The United States State Department also expressed deep concern over the passing of the bill, emphasizing its potential to infringe upon constitutionally-protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly for all Ghanaians.
Moreover, the State Department underscored the detrimental impact the bill could have on Ghana’s public health, media, civic spaces, and economy, echoing sentiments expressed by international business coalitions regarding the harmful effects of discrimination on business and economic growth.
As the international community closely monitors developments in Ghana, the passage of the anti-homosexuality bill continues to ignite debates over human rights, equality, and the legal protection of marginalized communities in the country.
