February 28, (THEWILL) – Ghana’s Parliament has passed a new bill that imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+.
The bill also enforces a maximum imprisonment of five years for those involved in the formation or financing of LGBTQ+ organisations.
The bill, which had the backing of Ghana’s two major political parties, was approved unanimously on Wednesday, following the completion of the third reading.
It will, however, come into effect only if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law. The President has, in the past, said that he would do so if the majority of Ghanaians want him to.
Homosexual activity is already illegal in Ghana, carrying a three-year prison term. Last month, Amnesty International warned that the bill “poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of LGBTQ+ people.
Activists fear there will now be witch-hunts against members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who campaign for their rights, and say some will have to go into hiding.
Members of Parliament stated that the bill was formulated in reaction to the establishment of Ghana’s inaugural LGBTQ+ community hub in Accra, the capital, in January 2021.
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