Ghana anti-LGBT+ bill condemned by UN as ‘profoundly disturbing’

[Jessica_Rose]

Ghana anti-LGBT+ bill condemned by UN as 'profoundly disturbing'

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ghana-anti-lgbt-bill-condemned-by-un-as-profoundly-disturbing/ar-BB1j7qLP?ocid=windirect&cvid=b21d1db5e8654be985e3da20fd9c3ca0&ei=56

Story by Francis Kokutse and Alastair Jamieson (29 Feb 2024)

An anti-gay bill that criminalises LGBT+ people and their supporters in Ghana drew international condemnation on Thursday, with the United Nations calling for it not to become law.

The bill voted through by the Ghanaian parliament on Wednesday was first introduced three years ago. It outlaws relationships, sexual activity and public displays of affection, and targets LGBT+ supporters.

Those convicted could face up to a decade in prison.

Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 is "profoundly disturbing".

"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 in a statement.

"I call for the bill not to become law. I urge the Ghanaian government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalised."

Ghana has generally been considered more respectful of human rights than most African countries but since the legislation passed through parliament, international condemnation has grown.