Ghana’s parliamentary Speaker, Alban Bagbin, has strongly hinted that the proposed anti-homosexual legislation will be approved before the Christmas break.
The bill, which is currently in the final stages of consideration in parliament, suggests a 10-year prison sentence for LGBT+ supporters and a three-year prison sentence for individuals who identify as gay.
Additionally, it prohibits funding for LGBT+ activities. Homosexuality is already illegal in Ghana, but the new bill goes further by criminalising lesbianism and, even more bizarrely, marriage to inanimate objects.
Samuel Nartey George, the main advocate for this legislation, has vowed to expose any members of parliament who may have been influenced by LGBT+ supporters in order to prevent the bill from becoming law.
The allegations have been denied by most MPs, who argue that there are still underlying issues that need attention.
The anti-gay legislation was initially introduced to MPs in August 2021, but it faced significant criticism both domestically and internationally.
Opponents of the bill argue that if it becomes law, it will violate the rights and freedoms of LGBT+ individuals as guaranteed in the constitution.
On the other hand, supporters of the bill claim that it will contribute to the preservation of Ghanaian family values.
