Ghana could be introducing harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world

Ghana could be introducing the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, with activists claiming a new bill threatens basic human rights, safety and freedom.

All Out has warned that Parliament is trying to push through the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which criminalises LGBTQ+ people and anyone who supports them.

The Bill was formally introduced in Parliament and received its First Reading last month (17 February), marking the start of the official process the bill must go through before it can become law.

All Out outlines that this isn't the first time this bill has appeared, as, following mass international and local resistance last year, it was stopped.

But with a newly elected President, John Mahama, openly supporting harsher anti-LGBTQ+ laws and key politicians rushing the process, the risk of rapid approval has never been higher.

The organisation explains that, if this bill does become law, it would mean jail sentences of up to three years for anyone merely suspected of being part of the LGBTQ+ community, with citizens legally required to report individuals suspected of being LGBTQ+.

Ghana could be introducing the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world (Getty Stock Images)

Reported penalties include up to three years in prison for identifying as LGBTQ+, five to 10 years for promoting LGBTQ+ rights or offering support services, bans on gender-affirming care, sex toys, same-sex relationships, and LGBTQ-inclusive education and the criminalisation of allyship, funding, and advocacy in both physical and digital realms.

Matthew Beard, Executive Director at All Out, has spoken to Gay Times, warning that Ghana's proposed law 'reflects a wider international campaign against LGBTQ+ rights'.

"Ghana's Parliament is preparing to vote on the 'Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill'. If passed, it would dramatically expand criminal penalties targeting LGBTQIA+ people and anyone seen to support them. It would introduce mandatory reporting requirements. It would force the closure of existing LGBTQIA+ organisations. It would extend liability in ways that reach beyond individuals to include institutions, tech platforms and employers. It would make organising, educating and even offering allyship legally risky.

Rightify Ghana states that the Bill 'goes beyond criminalising certain conduct' (Getty Stock Images)

"Supporters describe the bill as defending 'African values'. But the story behind it stretches far beyond Ghana and Africa," Gay Times explains.

Beard outlined: "Progress has always depended on people paying attention beyond their own borders. The commitment to safety and dignity does not stop at national lines."

Rightify Ghana states, via Gay Times, that the Bill 'goes beyond criminalising certain conduct'.

"It creates broad obligations on parents, educators, religious institutions, and the media to promote a state-defined understanding of 'family values'," it adds.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]