Ghana passes bill making identifying as LGBTQ+ illegal

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ghana-passes-bill-making-identifying-as-lgbtq-illegal/ar-BB1j3okB?ocid=windirect&cvid=0d2ca36119c34948a319df0dd1a566e4&ei=48

Story by Thomas Naadi (28 Feb 2024)

Ghana's parliament has passed a tough new bill that imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+.

It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

It is the latest sign of growing opposition to LGBTQ+ rights in the conservative West African nation.

The bill, which had the backing of Ghana's two major political parties, will come into effect only if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs it into law.

He previously said that he would do so if the majority of Ghanaians want him to.

Gay sex is already against the law in Ghana - it carries a three-year prison sentence.

Last month Amnesty International warned that the bill "poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms" of LGBTQ+ people.

Activists fear there will now be witch-hunts against members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who campaign for their rights, and say some will have to go into hiding.

The bill proposes a jail term of up to 10 years for anyone involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy campaigns aimed at children

It also encourages the public to report members of the LGBTQ+ community to authorities for "necessary action".

Thank you for this article.

I sometimes worry about this kind of situation here in America. There is plenty of opposition here already. Just living our lives, sharing our stories on a public forum, marching in a parade, or even just attending an event as a supporter could paint a big target on our backs. We are making very good progress in being viewed as "normal", but I still worry.