Ghana's parliament approves anti-LGBTQ law

TT

Published 21.13

 

Ghana's President John Mahama must approve the new law for it to come into force. Archive photo. Photo: Ichiro Banno/AP/TT

The parliament in Ghana voted on Friday to pass a law that severely restricts the rights of LGBTQ people.

President John Mahama's signature is still required for the bill to become a reality.

Same-sex sex is already banned in the West African country, but according to the new proposal, same-sex relationships can be punished with up to three years in prison. Those who advocate for LGBTQ rights can be punished even more severely, with three to five years in prison.

The proposal was also approved by parliament in 2024, but then the then-President Nana Akufo-Addo chose not to sign it.

Human rights groups and activists have condemned the bill.