Ghana’s parliament on Wednesday approved a bill strengthening penalties for same-sex acts and criminalizing advocacy for LGBTQ rights, sparking international condemnation and concerns about human rights violations.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, championed by a group of traditional leaders with religious backing, passed unanimously. It increases the existing three-year prison sentence for same-sex conduct to five years. Additionally, individuals convicted of advocating for or promoting LGBTQ rights face jail time, and the distribution of materials deemed supportive of the community is now illegal.
The legislation, considered one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ measures in Africa, faces criticism from human rights groups who argue it violates fundamental rights and freedoms. President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is expected to sign the bill into law, has remained silent on his stance regarding the legislation.
