Ghana’s parliament has passed legislation that would significantly expand restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, with individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer facing prison terms of up to three years. The bill also criminalizes support for LGBTQ+ activities and introduces a requirement for citizens to report prohibited conduct to authorities, with a potential penalty of imprisonment for failing to comply. The measure now awaits approval from President John Dramani Mahama, who has previously expressed support for traditional definitions of gender and marriage. Supporters of the legislation argue that it protects Ghanaian cultural and family values, while critics, including Human Rights Watch, warn that it could endanger LGBTQ+ individuals and encourage surveillance within communities. The bill follows a similar measure passed in 2024 that never became law.
BBC
