Ghana Passes Bill Criminalizing Homosexual Activity And Activism
Under the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill that was recently passed by Ghanian parliament, people who identify as members of the “LGBTQ” community can face up to three years in prison.
Advocates for gay rights can also receive a maximum five-year sentence for funding or establishing pro-gay groups.
The bill in Ghana still needs to be signed off by the country’s president before it becomes law.
The United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk called parliament’s passing of the bill “profoundly disturbing” and urged the government not to sign it into law.
“The bill broadens the scope of criminal sanctions against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transexual and queer people – simply for being who they are – and threatens criminal penalties against perceived allies of LGBTQ+ people,” he said.
Responding to the passing of the bill, UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima warned that if the bill did become a law it would “affect everyone” and hamper the country’s fight against HIV and AIDS.
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