Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently urged President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana to reject The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021. This legislation, which was passed last month by the Ghanaian parliament, would make it illegal to identify as LGBTQ+ in the country.
The passed bill stipulates that those who identify as LGBTQ+ could face up to three years in prison. Additionally, individuals who form or fund LGBTQ+ groups could face up to five years in prison. Currently, the bill awaits assent from the president before it becomes law. However, President Akufo-Addo has stated that his government will wait for a Supreme Court ruling before taking any action. This decision follows a challenge in court regarding the constitutionality of the proposed law.
According to HRW, the anti-LGBT rights bill contradicts Ghana’s long-standing tradition of peace, tolerance, and hospitality. Larissa Kojue, one of the researchers at HRW, commented that this law would not only further erode the rule of law in Ghana, but could also lead to gratuitous violence against LGBT people and their allies. HRW also highlights that LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana have historically faced serious human rights abuses, including discrimination. Since 2021, there have been at least 21 LGBTQ+ activists who have been detained on allegations of promoting homosexuality at a gathering.
Furthermore, HRW notes that this proposed legislation may contradict international laws on the elimination of discrimination against LGBT people. Ghana has ratified several international treaties and conventions that protect LGBTQ+ people, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
According to the latest news, Ghana is under the supervision of HRW for the protection of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Meanwhile, Akufo-Addo assured that Ghana will maintain its long-standing record of human rights observance and adherence to the rule of law. This story was first reported by JURIST – News on their legal news website.