Following its passage by parliament on Thursday, a bill that criminalizes LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies in Ghana garnered criticism from around the world. The UN called the bill “profoundly distressing” and urged it not to become law.
The bill increases the scope of criminal penalties against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people just for being who they are, and it threatens criminal penalties against people who are thought to be their allies, according to a statement from Ravina Shamdasani, a spokeswoman for the Office of the UN High Commissioner.
“Consensual same-sex behavior ought never to be made illegal… If passed into law, the bill will be destructive and have a bad effect on society as a whole, the speaker stated.
Three years ago, the measure was originally submitted, and on Wednesday, the West African nation’s parliament passed it. It makes relationships, sexual activity, and outward shows of affection between LGBTQ+ people illegal.
It also goes after those who support them, as well as those who fund and promote LGBTQ+-related initiatives. Anyone found guilty might spend as much as ten years behind bars.
The bill has been forwarded to the president’s desk for ratification.
Although Ghana is generally seen as a country that respects human rights better than most other African nations, there has been an increase in foreign criticism since the legislation enacted by parliament.
(Africanews)
