Ghana’s recent enactment of the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024” by parliament has drawn sharp criticism from Amnesty International’s Ghana Country Director, Genevieve Partington. Describing the development as shocking and deeply disappointing, Partington expressed concern over the severe implications of the legislation, particularly as Ghana currently serves on the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The bill, deemed one of the most draconian in Africa, intensifies criminalization against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Additionally, it extends punitive measures to encompass anyone supporting or advocating for LGBT rights, encompassing human rights defenders, medical professionals, journalists, teachers, and landlords. These measures not only infringe upon the right to freedom of expression and association but also carry the threat of imprisonment.
Since the bill’s introduction in parliament, reports of forced evictions, job losses, increased violence, and various rights violations against LGBTI individuals have surfaced. These disturbing developments underline the far-reaching impact of legislation that further marginalizes an already vulnerable community.
Amnesty International urgently calls upon President Nana Akufo Addo to prioritize human rights and refrain from signing this discriminatory legislation into law. The organization emphasizes that such extreme forms of discrimination have widespread consequences, affecting the rights and freedoms of every individual in the country.
The timing of Ghana’s parliament passing the bill just before the international day of zero discrimination on March 1, 2024, adds a poignant layer to the ongoing debate surrounding human rights and inclusivity in the nation. As stakeholders, activists, and international bodies continue to denounce the bill, the focus shifts to the presidency’s response and its commitment to upholding the principles of equality and human rights for all citizens.
