Ghana’s Anti-Gay Bill: Speaker Bagbin Urges Caution

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has stated that Ghana cannot follow the path taken by Uganda in passing its anti-gay bill.

Uganda’s Parliament recently passed the law, making it illegal to identify as LGBTQ and handing authorities broad powers to target gay Ugandans who already face legal discrimination and mob violence.

The law also bans promoting and abetting homosexuality, as well as conspiracy to engage in homosexuality, with severe penalties for violations, including death for so-called aggravated homosexuality and life in prison for gay sex.

Ghana’s Parliament is also currently handling the Anti-Gay Bill, known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which seeks to criminalize some activities of homosexuals in the country.

Speaker Bagbin has urged the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs committee of Parliament not to be intimidated by anyone regarding the bill and to report back to him if they encounter any challenges.

He emphasized the need to follow the direction laid out in the Ghanaian Constitution and not to pass any law against it, as it would be unconstitutional.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dissociated himself from the Anti-Gay Bill, which was proposed under a Private Members’ Bill.

While confirming that the bill is currently before Parliament, he noted that most of its provisions are still being fine-tuned. President Akufo-Addo stressed that the bill has not been passed, and Parliament will decide on it before he comes in.

During her recent visit to Ghana, US Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of supporting and fighting for the human rights of all people, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

While some activists and advocates have been pushing for greater acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana, it remains to be seen what direction the country will take regarding this issue.

However, Speaker Bagbin’s comments suggest a commitment to following the Ghanaian Constitution while urging the committee to report back without intimidation.