U.S. kicks after Ghana approves anti-gay law

The United States has expressed “deep concern” over Ghana’s passage of a strict anti-LGBTQ legislation and called for a review of its constitutionality.

The legislation, which intensifies crackdowns on LGBTQ rights, imposes harsh penalties, including up to five years in prison for promoting LGBTQ activities.

The U.S. State Department said the bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ individuals and their allies, undermining public health, media, and civic spaces.

“The bill seeks to criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQI+, as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

“The bill would also undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media and civic spaces, and economy,” the department said.

It added: “The United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.”

Anti-gay law

Sponsored by a coalition of religious and traditional leaders, the legislation aims to criminalize LGBTQ people and those promoting lesbian, gay or other non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the West African country. It is said to represent one of Africa’s harshest measures against LGBTQ rights.

Gay sex is currently punishable by up to three years in prison. The new bill now imposes a prison sentence of up to five years for the “willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.”

After passing in parliament, the bill awaits presentation to President Nana Akufo-Addo, who has seven days to approve or reject it under Ghana’s constitution.

On Wednesday, executive director of the United Nations Aids agency UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima said the bill will affect everyone if it becomes law and the punitive laws as embodied by the bill, are a barrier to ending AIDS, and ultimately undermine everyone’s health.

“It will exacerbate fear and hatred, could incite violence against fellow Ghanaian citizens, and will negatively impact on free speech, freedom of movement and freedom of association,” Byanyima said in the statement.

“If it becomes law, it will obstruct access to life-saving services, undercut social protection, and jeopardize Ghana’s development success,” she said.

If signed into law by President Akufo-Addo, Ghana will join other African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and several others who have enacted anti-gay laws to criminalize LGBTQ activities.

In May 2023, Uganda president Yoweri Museveni signed a controversial anti-gay legislation into law. Under the legislation, those found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes cases involving sexual relations with minors, individuals infected with HIV, and other vulnerable groups, could face the death penalty. Suspects convicted of “attempted aggravated homosexuality” could be imprisoned for up to 14 years.