In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, Ghana's parliament has passed a controversial new anti-LGBTQ bill, which could potentially make it illegal for individuals to identify as LGBTQ in the West African nation. The bill, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, now awaits the signature of Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo before it can become law.

If signed into law, the bill would impose some of the harshest penalties for LGBTQ individuals in Africa. Those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, nonbinary, queer, or any other sexual or gender identity that does not align with the traditional binary categories of male and female, could face up to three years of imprisonment. Additionally, individuals found guilty of promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities could potentially be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

The proposed legislation has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Türk condemned the bill, stating that it broadens the scope of criminal sanctions against LGBTQ individuals simply for being true to themselves. He called on the Ghanaian government to ensure that everyone can live free from violence, stigma, and discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The introduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill came in response to a wave of anti-LGBTQ sentiments following the opening of Ghana's first LGBTQ+ community center in 2021. Alex Kofi Donkor, director of LGBT+ Rights Ghana, expressed surprise at the intense backlash, stating that while they expected homophobic organizations to exploit the situation, the level of anti-gay hatred has been unprecedented.

It is important to note that gay sexual acts are already illegal in Ghana, and individuals convicted of such acts can face up to three years in prison. The passage of this bill further exacerbates the rights of LGBTQ individuals in the country.

Ghana now becomes one of the 31 African countries that criminalize homosexuality. The recently passed bill follows a similar move by Uganda in 2023, which implemented the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

The United States has expressed deep concern over the passage of the bill, stating that it poses a threat to the constitutionally protected freedoms of speech, press, and assembly in Ghana. The U.S. State Department highlighted that Ghana's tradition of tolerance, peace, and respect for human rights has been a model for other nations around the world, and this legislation is inconsistent with those values.

As Ghanaians await President Nana Akufo-Addo's decision on whether to sign the bill into law, many continue to advocate for the protection of LGBTQ rights and the preservation of Ghana's long-standing tradition of acceptance and equality.