Ghana’s Parliament has approved a bill aimed at promoting human sexual rights and family values, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill. The legislation prohibits LGBT activities and criminalizes their promotion, advocacy, and funding.
Under the new law, individuals engaged in such activities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors of such acts could be sentenced to three to five years in jail.
Before the bill’s passage, sponsors of the legislation initiated a motion for further consideration by the House. Samuel Nartey George, the lead sponsor, proposed amendments to clauses 10 and 11 of the bill, which address the editorial policies of media organizations, to ensure compliance with Article 12 of the 1992 constitution, guaranteeing freedom of the media. These amendments were accepted by Parliament as part of the bill.
However, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, filed a motion regarding clause 12, which concerns the funding of LGBT activities, to be subjected to constitutional scrutiny. This motion was rejected by the House.