Ghana parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Summary
Ghana’s parliament has passed a new law that makes homosexuality and supporting LGBTQ+ activities illegal, with punishments of up to three years in prison. The bill also requires people to report such acts to the police and still needs approval from President John Dramani Mahama.Key Facts
- The new bill criminalizes identifying as LGBTQ+ and supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
- People caught under the law can be sentenced to up to three years in prison.
- The law creates a "duty to report" any prohibited LGBTQ+ acts to the police.
- Some professionals, like media and healthcare workers, are exempt if they report or provide services.
- President Mahama has expressed support for the bill and has yet to officially approve it.
- Ghana already banned same-sex relationships under colonial-era laws.
- Similar anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been passed recently in other African countries like Senegal and Uganda.
- Human Rights Watch and other groups have criticized the bill, warning it puts LGBTQ+ people at risk and encourages spying on neighbors.
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