Finally settled as Parliament passes Anti-LGBTQ bill

“You cannot — let’s not be too emotional about this; let’s be consistent. You are saying that you are protecting press freedom, so you are subjecting that provision to the constitutional imperative. And I’m pointing out to you that this particular provision must also be subjected to the constitution, and Article 17 is a major guide,” he said.

However, the Minority rejected his request, prompting the Speaker to push for the third consideration stage.

Parliament then passed the bill. Now, President Akufo-Addo must assent to the bill for it to become law.

Ghana is among many African countries that working to rid LGBTQ activities in the society. Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.

Following this, the country faced sanctions from international communities, such as the US. The U.S. imposed a first round of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the law in June, and the World Bank halted new lending to the country in August.

The concern now is Ghana could face similar sanctions and be blocked from receiving financial aid from countries that uphold LGBTQ rights. But Parliamentarians have noted that Ghana is poised to withstand whatever pro-LGBTQ countries throw at them.

The moment Parliament passed the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill…#GHOneNews #GHOneTV pic.twitter.com/o50JEivDO0

— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) February 28, 2024