Ghana Passes Anti-LGBTQ Bill Posing a Major Threat to Queer Ghanians

Sad news coming out of Ghana. Parliament has voted to pass a controversial bill to constrict LGBTQ rights. The bill will punish anyone engaging in LGBTQ sexual acts, along with anyone who is supporting the queer community. Anyone persecuted could face jail time ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

The President of Ghana has to implement the bill before it can be introduced into law, and there’s a ton of speculation as to whether he actually will or not since Ghanas general elections take place in December.

Widely known as the anti-gay bill, it received sponsorship from a religious group comprised of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders, finding substantial backing among members of Parliament.

Gay sex is already illegal in West African and homophobia runs rampid throughout the community, but no one has ever been prosecuted under the colonial-era law.

There is a genuine concern for how things will play out moving forward and all eyes are on Ghana for the time being. LGBTQ+ organizations across the world have come together to bring awareness to the threat Parliament poses to queer people.

PHOTO: Trans Ghanaian Maxine Angel Opoku

The controversy with the queer community in Ghana doesn’t end there. Transgender media personality and artist Maxine Angel Opoku has been encouraged to go to Parliament to reveal the names of politicians involved in LGBTQ activities.

A radio personality by the name of Blakk Rasta made the controversial statement towards Maxine stating, "Please release the names. Now. I want to know who the gays and lesbians are who cannot stand out. But cowardly they hide and then they make their communities suffer."

He’s not wrong but the outcome of her outing members of Parliament could be dangerous. We will continue to keep an eye on this story as it unfolds.

Sending love to everyone in Ghana who’s facing persecution at this time!