Ghana’s parliament has passed an anti-LGBTQ+ law that has made identifying as part of the LGBT community illegal.
Homosexuality was criminalised in Ghana in 1892 and same-sex activity holds a three-year prison sentence.
“Profoundly disturbing”
The new legislation, passed on Wednesday, highlights that the “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities” will result in a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted.
This also includes those who fund queer groups and causes.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill will come into effect only if President Nana-Akufo-Addo signs it into law, though his stance on the legislation is yet to be confirmed.
The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, called the bill ,”profoundly disturbing”. He has urged the government to prevent signing it into law.
“It will obstruct access to life-saving services”
Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director, released a statement that said:
“If [the bill] becomes law, it will obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardise Ghana’s development success.”
Byanyima also highlighted that the bill could hamper the country’s fight against HIV and AIDs.
She stated: “To achieve the goal of ending AIDs as a public health threat by 2030, it is vital to ensure that everyone has equal access to essential services without fear, stigma or discrimination, and that providers of life-saving HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services are supported in their work.”
She described the bill as “a barrier to ending AIDs”.
This comes amidst other anti-LGBTQ+ action and rhetoric in recent years such as Florida’s Don’t Say Gay Bill and Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The world proves it still has a long way to go before all LGBTQ+ individuals can feel safe.
If you are an LGBTQ+ individual affected by this news or seeking other help, support can be found here.
Featured Image Credit: BBC
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