Parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill

The Parliament of Ghana has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, after months of intense national debate and public controversy.

The legislation, which seeks to criminalise activities related to LGBTQ, was passed by lawmakers on Friday amid divided public opinion and growing international attention.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect what they describe as Ghanaian family values, cultural identity and religious beliefs. Several Members of Parliament who backed the legislation insisted the law reflects the moral convictions of the majority of Ghanaians and accused critics of attempting to impose foreign values on the country.

However, critics say the law could deepen discrimination, threaten freedom of expression and association, and expose suspected LGBTQ+ persons and activists to abuse and harassment.

Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, said he is confident President John Dramani Mahama will assent to the bill once it is transmitted to the presidency.

A similar bill was passed in 2024 but was not assented to by President Nana Akufo-Addo.

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