Parliament passes Anti-gay bill; Awaiting President Akufo-Addo’s assent

Parliament has passed the controversial ‘Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values 2021, more widely referred to as the anti-gay bill.

This followed the third reading of the Bill.

The bill, which sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally but garnered significant support among Ghanaians, seeks to strictly prohibit homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgender identity.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential to protect the cultural fabric and moral standards of Ghanaian society, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional family structures.

Under the new legislation, individuals found to be engaging in or promoting LGBTQ+ activities could face severe penalties, including imprisonment.

The anti-gay bill also includes provisions that could affect activists of the LGBTQ+ community, with potential legal consequences for those who offer support, advocacy, or even spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to gather.

Critics of the bill, including international human rights organizations, have condemned the legislation as a gross violation of human rights.

They argue that it not only infringes on the rights to freedom of expression and association but also puts the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana at significant risk.

The law has been described as a step backward in the global fight for equality and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities.

Deputy Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on Thursday, February 15 arrested the third reading of the Bill but could not employ the ‘same trick’ on Wednesday 28^th February, 2024 when the Speaker declared the Bill passed.

Source:mypublisher24