Halt anti-LGBTQ+ bill immediately – Amnesty International to Parliament

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Amnesty International, has called on Parliament and the government to cease consideration of the controversial anti-gay bill.

Officially named the ‘Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill’, the proposed legislation has sparked intense debate nationally and internationally.

Amnesty International stressed that the bill would infringe on human rights if passed.

The bill aims to criminalise same-sex relationships, including oral and anal sex, with penalties ranging from five to 10 years in prison.

Additionally, it seeks to criminalise advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, the promotion of same-sex marriage, and the provision of support services to LGBTQ+ individuals.

The proposed legislation further suggests punishing individuals or organisations involved in LGBTQ+ events or supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amnesty International stated, “The Ghanaian Parliament and the government should immediately withdraw the proposed Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 from consideration.”

The NGO argued that the bill violates principles of equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, association, and privacy, as outlined in Ghana’s constitution and international human rights treaties.

Amnesty International added that the bill fosters hatred, intolerance, and persecution against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

If enacted, the proposed law could lead to imprisonment for being LGBTQ+ and penalise those expressing support or sympathy towards the community.

The NGO raises concerns about the vague and overbroad provisions, creating an environment of hostility and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana.