Ghana’s parliament passes a bill that criminalizes LGBTQ+ activity and related conduct. Multiple outlets report that the law includes prison penalties for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer, and for those who promote LGBTQ+ activities. Reporting also describes provisions that punish “promotion,” sponsorship or intentional support of LGBTQ-related acts, with one account citing prison terms of three to five years and another citing a wider range up to 10 years for promoting such activities. Some sources also say the legislation includes a “duty to report” requirement concerning activities considered unlawful under the bill.
The legislation is now awaiting ratification by President John Dramani Mahama. Several outlets frame the bill as among the most restrictive anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Africa, while also noting concerns from community groups and rights organizations about potential impacts on access to jobs, housing and healthcare if the law takes effect.
