Victor EzejaAs a mark of growing opposition to LGBTQ, Ghana parliament on Wednesday passed a bill making illegal any form of such activity or acts encouraging it in the country.
The new bill stipulates that anyone found guilty of identifying as LGBTQ+ faces a maximum three-year prison sentence.
Moreover, it sets a five-year maximum prison sentence for founding or funding LGBTQ+ organizations.
After the third reading was finished on Wednesday, the bill was unanimously passed. During the meeting, Alban Bagbin, the speaker, rejected proposed changes to the law.
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Legislators obstructed attempts to substitute community service and counseling for jail terms.
It is the most recent indication of the nation’s conservative West African society’s rising hostility to LGBTQ+ rights.
In order for the bill to become law, it must now be forwarded to President Nana Akufo-Addo for his approval. The bill will now be transmitted to President Akufo-Addo for his approval before becoming law.
The president had earlier expressed his willingness to comply with the wishes of the majority of Ghanaians.
Before the passage of the bill, there some groups of activists had opposed it. Amnesty International had last month warned that the bill “poses significant threats to the fundamental rights and freedoms” of LGBTQ+ people.
Some activists reportedly said that members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who fight for their rights may have to go into hiding due to the fear of witch hunts.
The bill stipulates a maximum 10-year prison sentence for anybody engaged in LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts targeted at children.
Additionally, it exhorts people to report LGBTQ+ individuals to the appropriate authorities so that “necessary action” can be taken.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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