Ghana Makes Identifying As LGBTQ Illegal

A strict new bill that prohibits anyone found guilty of identifying as LGBTQ+ from serving a term of up to three years in prison was passed by Ghana’s parliament.

Moreover, it sets a five-year maximum prison sentence for founding or supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.

Legislators obstructed attempts to substitute community service and counseling for jail terms.

In Ghana, having gay intercourse is already illegal and carries a three-year prison sentence.

Amnesty International issued a warning about the measure last month, stating that it “poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Some activists claim that members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who fight for their rights may have to go into hiding due to the fear of witch hunts.

Winnie Byanyima, the head of the UN committee addressing HIV, echoed this, stating that “if the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill becomes a law, 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.”