In a significant development for LGBTQ+ rights, the Ghanaian parliament’s controversial bill to criminalize LGBTQ+ identity and activities has been officially declared dead. After months of intense debate and global outcry, Ghanaian lawmakers have formally abandoned the bill, which has been condemned internationally for its blatant violation of human rights and its potential to incite further discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
The Promotion Of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanian Family Values Bill initially introduced in 2021 sought to restrict LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Among its most extreme conditions, the bill proposed to make the identification and expression of LGBTQ+ individuals illegal. Criminalizing activities such as same-sex marriage, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and even the simple act of being openly gay. The consequences of the law would be long prison sentences extending up to life for those found guilty of engaging in same-sex relationships. The proposed bill quickly ignited backlash, creating opposition from both Ghana and around the world. Human rights organizations like The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) and Amnesty International strongly criticized the bill, stating that not only would this strip away the rights of individuals but fuel existing homophobia.
The declaration of the bill’s death came after multiple ongoing delays, internal divisions, and global pressure. Initially, Ghana’s parliament had shown strong favor for the bill, but continuous global outcry and the risk of damaging relations with Western Allies and organizations are said to have played in the decision. The inauguration of re-elected President Nana Akuto-Addo aided in signaling a significant political shift, publicly stating he would “not adopt laws that would go against human rights”(BBC NEWS, 2021).
Further reports indicate that significant public backlash against the bill, particularly from youth activists and LGBTQ+ groups, was a leading factor in its eventual rejection. Many young Ghanaians, along with local advocates, took to the streets and social media to voice their opposition, demanding equal rights and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals. The outpour of resistance made it clear that the desire for change within Ghana was not only strong but growing.
As we at OFM know, progress for LGBTQ+ individuals is not just a local or regional battle but a global one. Readers and allies worldwide need to support organizations that are fighting for the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ people in Ghana and similar nations. Groups such as Amnesty International and The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association continue to lead efforts advocating for equal rights. With the continuous progression of LGBTQ+ rights, it can be easy to forget how much fighting there still is left to do. We must remember that the struggle is far from finished and together we are all responsible for pushing the world towards a future that regardless of identity we can live freely and without fear.
