Ghana’s Parliament has approved a bill that would impose jail sentences on individuals who identify as L.G.B.T.Q. or organize gay advocacy groups, making it one of the strictest laws on the African continent, according to Amnesty International.
If signed into law by President Nana Akufo-Addo, the legislation would mean that individuals convicted of identifying as gay could face up to three years in prison, while those considered “promoters” of L.G.B.T.Q. issues could be sentenced to five years. Engaging in gay sex would result in a five-year prison term, an increase from the previous three years under the existing legislation.
This bill is part of a trend of anti-gay laws being passed in Africa, with countries such as Tanzania, Niger, Namibia, and Uganda adopting similar measures. According to Amnesty, 31 countries on the continent criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, with many experiencing a rise in homophobic attitudes and behaviors.
Linda Nduri, a campaign manager for Africa at All Out, a nonprofit organization, expressed concern about the negative perception of L.G.B.T.Q. individuals in many African countries.
While both major political parties in Ghana support the bill, there have been debates over its severity, with some members of Parliament suggesting alternative measures such as counseling and community service for those convicted under the law.
Despite widespread public support for the bill, human rights organizations have warned that it would violate fundamental rights enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution, such as the right to equality and protection against discrimination based on sex or gender.
Michael Akagbor, a senior program officer at the Center for Democratic Development, stated that legal action is being taken to challenge the legislation in Ghana’s Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of preventing such a bill from becoming a reality in a democratic country like Ghana.
2024-02-28 14:25:28
Original from www.nytimes.com