LGBTQI+ flag Image via Unsplash
Ghana lawmakers propose bill which criminalises LGBTQ activism
A leaked Ghanaian bill proposes jail time for all LGTBQI+ people and those who advocate for queer rights.
LGBTQI+ flag Image via Unsplash
Only five countries on the African continent have legalised same-sex marriage with South Africa being one of them. On Friday 23 July, Ghana proposed an anti-gay bill that proposes 10 years in jail for LGBTQI+ people and activists in the country.
THE LEAKED BILL
According to The Guardian, the leaked Ghanaian bill was deemed authentic by diplomats who have had access to the bill.
The bill proposes 10 years in jail for LGBTQI+ people and activists that has sparked fear in some of the country’s human rights activists. The bill also does not support intersex people and could force intersex people to have gender realignment surgery.
Part of the bill reads:
“LGBTTQQIAAP+ activities threaten the concept of family and the associated value systems that are central to the social structure of all ethnic groups in Ghana.”
Already, same-sex acts have been considered illegal under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act under the term “unnatural carnal knowledge”.
The bill also mentions that if anyone advocates for LGBTQI+ rights on social media, the person would have committed the offence.
POLITICIANS SUPPORTING THE BILL
A number of MPS and prominent figures in the Ghanian government have praised the bill. MP Sam Nartey George describing gay rights as “perversion” and further expressed his thoughts on Twitter.
“Homosexuality is not a human right. It is a sexual preference.”
Journalist and activist Nana Ama Agyemang Asante, said she was stunned by the contents of the bill and the cruelty behind the intent.
“I have spent all my time as a journalist advocating for gay rights so I can’t believe that we have arrived at this point where they want to criminalise everything and everything including the existence of allies, intersex and asexual folks.”
GHANIAN LGBTQI+ CENTRE CLOSURE
Earlier this year, an LGBTQI centre in the country closed down when Shaun Apong was arrested and accused of spreading an LGBTQI+ agenda in the country.
He was arrested along with others after local journalists called the police.
“All I wanted to do was help vulnerable people.”
“They were acting as if we were criminals caught in the crime.”
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