Twitter users blast Ghana’s proposed anti-gay bill
The draft bill also proposes punishment for groups and individuals who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, express sympathy or offer social or medical support.
CAPE TOWN, July 29 (ANA) – There has been widespread condemnation on social media of Ghana’s proposed “anti-gay” bill that lawmakers in the West African country are seeking to implement.
According to various Twitter accounts, those who form part of the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana are furious that the government is even considering placing harsher restrictions on LGBTQ+ people, as well as those who advocate for gay rights.
Dubbed the “most homophobic document the world has ever seen” by social media users, the 36-page Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, which is yet to be considered by parliament, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities.
According to news website The Guardian.com, the draft anti-gay legislation submitted to Ghana’s parliament recently could propose up to 10 years in jail for LGBTQ+ people.
The draft bill also proposes punishment for groups and individuals who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, express sympathy or offer social or medical support.
Ghana’s laws already criminalise gay sex by forbidding “unnatural carnal knowledge”.
According to news website Deutsche Welle, the draft bill enjoys cross-party support, with Ghana’s parliamentary speaker Alban Bagbin openly backing the proposed law.
Early in July, Ghana’s speaker of parliament condemned attempts to “promote” LGBTQ+ activities in the West African country, calling these acts “worse than the Covid-19 pandemic” and that they must be fought by all.
Ghana has been in the spotlight recently for its treatment of LGBTQ+ members after authorities raided the office of an LGBTQ+ advocacy and support group on February 24.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher
