ReportOUT are deeply disturbed and devastated to hear of the passing of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill' in Ghana, and we urge President Nana Akufo-Addo to not sign this into law. By signing this Bill into law, it will harm your own Ghanaian citizens and will hold back the development of Ghana as a nation.
In 2021 an anti-LGBTQ+ Bill entitled the 'Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values' was introduced in Ghana’s parliament by eight members of parliament. This Bill was introduced shortly after 21 LGBTQ+ Activists were arrested and detained for holding a meeting in the Volta Region of Ghana. Prior to this, an office and community space of an LGBTQ+ group was also raided and closed down by the police. The subsequent media coverage of these events led the Ghanaian government, supported by a number of well-funded external partners from US Evangelical churches, to push this Bill forward.
As 76 Crimes report:
"The anti-LGBTQ Bill includes provisions that criminalise the mere identification as LGBTQ+ and “related activities,” including same-sex sexual activities, the use of sex toys (classified as “objects” in the Bill), and cross-dressing. Under this draconian draft law, individuals face imprisonment ranging from three months to three years. Additionally, allies, donors, activists, human rights defenders, and anyone perceived as a “promoter” of LGBTQ+ rights, including journalists, could be sentenced to three to five years in jail."
By passing this Bill into law, many Ghanaian LGBTQ+ activists, who already struggle with prison sentences and rampant homophobia and transphobia in Ghana, have highlighted to civil society organisations that they will see a further rise in the following:
Increased violence against LGBTQ+ community members who are out and known by their community.
Increased incidents of disowning and the eviction of LGBTQ+ persons by their families and friends. Homelessness rates will rise.
Higher rates of unemployment amongst LGBTQ+ populations as their employers are more likely to dismiss them from employment to avoid coming in conflict with the law.
Limited spaces for LGBTQ+ populations to have access to services, including access to health services.
Increased discrimination and stigma as many people may not wish to associate with LGBTIQ+ people whom they know due to the risk, or fear, of criminalisation.
The closure of LGBTQ+ organisations as a lifeline to a vulnerable population.
Increased HIV transmission amongst vulnerable populations and a lack of support for the LGBTQ+ community for safe sex provision targeted toward key populations.
Potential closure of accounts, or limited access to funds, by organisations that work on LGBTQ+ issues.
Closing of all project activities aimed at improving the (already) poor conditions of LGBTQ+ populations, thereby driving isolation and deepening mental health issues.
LGBTQ+ activists will face the increased potential for their arrest and detention for simply having freedom of speech.
Increased homophobia from family, friends, and community members, and a loss of employment as it will be difficult to continue working in a hostile environment. This will drive LGBTQ+ populations deeper into poverty.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations has stated that the Bill is "profoundly disturbing," as he urges "the Ghanaian government to take steps to ensure everyone can live free from violence, stigma and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consensual same-sex conduct should never be criminalised.”
As one of our own volunteers 'P,' who lives in Ghana, says:
"The passage of the anti-LGBTQI+ bill in Ghana feels like an act of war on the entire Ghanaian LGBTQI+ community. It inflames existing discrimination, driving vulnerable LGBTQI+ individuals into hiding and perpetuating a culture of fear. The Bill's passage sends a message of intolerance and exclusion, damaging Ghana's reputation on the global stage and hindering progress towards equality and social cohesion. This is a huge setback to our democratic values and the impact will be felt for generations to come, tarnishing the fabric of Ghanaian society."
P goes onto state that:
"Ghana is choosing to enslave LGBTQI+ individuals just because of who we are, not who we choose to be. Where is the freedom for all that defines our nation's strength when marginalised communities are being hunted? This legislation not only denies us our basic human rights but also amplifies the stigma and violence against us. My heart feels shattered to see my country regress, rather than progress, towards acceptance and equality. This bill is unconstitutional and tempers minority rights, stealing our will to live our authentic lives. I refuse to hide or be silenced. I stand resilient, advocating for justice, and demanding the right to love freely without fear of persecution. Ghana should be a place of inclusivity and respect for all of its citizens. I urge allies and international human rights bodies to stand firm and support us through this critical juncture. I believe it is not over yet; the battle is yet to be won."
The Ghanaian government have signed various international human rights treaties. In fact, Ghana itself has been hailed as a beacon of democracy in Africa. Now, it seems to disregarding its very own Constitution and the human rights enshrined within it.
At ReportOUT, we know that if this Bill is signed by the President, then Ghana will lose this reputation for democracy and fairness across the globe. This retrograding of the human rights of its own citizens in Ghana will only serve to please a number of MPs and some home and US-based evangelicals, but its effects will be far more reaching. It will stall Ghana's progress toward achieving Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by deepening poverty amongst its own citizens, instigating violence, and harming the potential life chances and opportunities of some of the most vulnerable people in Ghana.
ReportOUT urge President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo to reject this discriminatory Bill. We stand alongside LGBTQ+ people and their allies in Ghana and we call on him to uphold the values of democracy and to protect the supremacy of the Constitution of Ghana. President Akufo-Addo must stand firm in defending the rights and dignity of all Ghanaians, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.