GHANA PARLIAMENT PASSES ANTI-LGBTQ LAW

Ghana’s parliament just passed an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that imposes a five-year prison sentence for anyone who identifies as such and/or for the ‘willful promotion, sponsorship or support of LGBTQ+ activities.’

The bill now moves to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s desk to be signed into law. He previously said he would do so if that is the will of Ghana’s majority.

The US State Department said it was ‘deeply troubled,’ and urged a review of the bill’s ‘constitutionality.’

Same-sex relations have been illegal since the colonial era, and the ban is enshrined in Ghana’s constitution. Offenders face three years in prison.

The US further warned the bill would undermine ‘Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy.’

Winnie Byanyima, executive director of the United Nations AIDS agency, warned punitive laws make it harder to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, undermining public health.

What do you think about this bill? Let us know in the comments.