Just In: Ghana Passes Anti-LGBTQ Law, Stipulates Five-year Jail Term for Offenders

The Ghanaian Parliament has approved the anti-LGBTQ bill, which prohibits LGBT activities, making it illegal to promote, advocate, or sponsor them.

According to GhanaWeb, the bill, known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was introduced as a Private Members Bill spearheaded by Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament representing Ningo-Prampram.

Homosexuality was already illegal in Ghana and punishable by up to three years in prison. The new bill has stipulated a maximum five-year jail term for those involved in the formation or financing of LGBTQ+ organisations.

Efforts to substitute prison sentences with community service and counselling were met with lawmakers’ opposition, as reported by BBC News.

Reports also indicated a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders sponsored the legislation.

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