Ghana parliament approves anti-LGBTQ bill with prison terms
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IN SHORT
Ghana's parliament approved the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which criminalizes same-sex relations with prison terms up to three years and promotion of LGBTQ activities with up to five years. The bill also bans funding for LGBTQ groups. This legislation has drawn international criticism and warnings of potential loss of World Bank funding.
Key Numbers
5 yearsmaximum prison term for promoting LGBTQ activities
3 yearsprison term for same-sex relations
$3.8 billionpotential World Bank funding loss
Who's Involved
Ghana's Parliament
Approved the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
John Dramani Mahama
Ghanaian President expected to sign the bill into law
World Bank
Warned Ghana could lose funding over the bill
US Government
Expressed deep concern over the bill's threat to freedoms
↳ Why This Matters
Ghana's parliament has passed a controversial bill that criminalizes same-sex relations and the promotion of LGBTQ activities, drawing significant international criticism and warnings of financial repercussions. This move aligns with a trend of similar legislation being enacted across parts of Africa, raising concerns about human rights and the potential for increased persecution of LGBTQ individuals on the continent.
Key facts
Ghana's parliament approved the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
The bill introduces prison terms of up to three years for same-sex relations.
Promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities carries prison terms of three to five years.
The legislation bans funding for LGBTQ groups and initiatives.
Ghana could lose up to $3.8 billion in World Bank funding if the bill is signed into law.
Ghana's parliament has passed a controversial bill that criminalizes same-sex relations and the promotion of LGBTQ activities, drawing significant international criticism and warnings of financial repercussions. This move aligns with a trend of similar legislation being enacted across parts of Africa, raising concerns about human rights and the potential for increased persecution of LGBTQ individuals on the continent.
Frequently asked questions
The bill imposes prison terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex relations and three to five years for promoting or sponsoring LGBTQ activities. It also bans funding for related groups.
Ghana's Finance Ministry warned that the country could lose up to $3.8 billion in World Bank funding if the bill is signed into law.
Parliament first passed a similar bill in February 2024, but it did not become law as the then-President did not assent to it.
What Happens Next
01Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama is expected to sign the bill into law.
How It Developed
Ghana's parliament approved legislation that introduces prison terms for same-sex relations and the promotion of LGBTQ activities.