Ghana Passes Law Criminalizing LGBTQ+ People and Supporters

Ghana's parliament has passed a law toughening sanctions against LGBTQ+ people and their supporters. The legislation still requires the signature of President John Dramani Mahama to come into force.

Under the law, people who identify as LGBTQ+ face up to three years in prison. It also makes reporting to police mandatory for any actions deemed to breach the new rules, and individuals who publicly declare support for the LGBTQ+ community may also face punishment.

Supporters of the law say it is aimed at protecting the country's family and cultural values. Critics warn that the legislation could lead to discrimination and persecution of sexual minorities. Human Rights Watch has said the law threatens the safety of LGBTQ+ people and encourages citizens to surveil and denounce one another.

Same-sex relationships have been banned in Ghana since colonial times. Parliament passed a similar law last year, but it did not take effect as the then president declined to sign it.

(bbc, lud)