US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, has expressed deep sadness over the passage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, by the Ghanaian Parliament.
Ambassador Palmer stated, “I am saddened because some of the smartest, most creative, most decent people I know are LGBT. The bill Parliament passed takes away not only their basic human rights but those of all Ghanaians because it undermines their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press. It will be bad for public order and public health. If enacted, it will also hurt Ghana’s international reputation and Ghana’s economy.”
The bill, which has been under consideration for three years, aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana and proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy. It also seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
During Wednesday’s Parliamentary session, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to make amendments to the bill during the second consideration stage, citing human rights infringement. However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage. Speaker Alban Bagbin put the bill to a voice vote, and the ayes had it.
As it stands, Parliament has passed the bill and tabled it to President Akufo-Addo for his assent to become law. Prior to its passage, several amendments were made to the bill. Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence be set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathizers. Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
The passage of the bill has been met with criticism from rights organizations and other groups, both locally and internationally.