LGBTQ+ activists face 3 to 5 years jail term, parliament approves
Parliament of Ghana
A minimum of three years and a maximum of five years in prison have been approved by Parliament for the deliberate promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.
Additionally, those found guilty of the act could face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum sentence of three years.
During the parliamentary session, Samuel Nartey George, a prominent supporter of the bill and the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, gave an explanation of the clause-by-clause revision of the bill aimed at promoting appropriate human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values.
“The establishment of an advocacy for the promotion of the activities—something Ghanaians are against—was what caused the confusion. What you do in your bedroom is of no interest to anyone. Thus, a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum sentence of three years await anyone found guilty of the act on February 7.
However, the minimum sentence for anyone intentionally promoting, sponsoring, or endorsing the agenda is three years, and the maximum sentence is five years.
On July 5, 2023, Parliament unanimously approved the Bill’s second reading and incorporated a few minor changes recommended by the Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs.
Former President Mahama on LGBTQ
Former president Mahama, who also serves as the head of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has declared his religious opposition to LGBTQ people.
Speaking to a group of clergymen in the Eastern Region, the former president made it apparent where he stood on the contentious issue.
He declared, “I am a member of the Assemblies of God, and I believe in my faith, and my faith is against LGBTQ people. This is because my faith does not support gay marriages.”
In order to ensure that the Ghanaian Family Values Bill and the Proper Human Sexual Rights Bill, which are presently before parliament, are passed, the former president has called on the government to collaborate with the legislature.