By Advocates for the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill assert their readiness to engage in a legal battle with the Coalition of 18 Civil Society Groups. The latter is contemplating legal action if President Akufo-Addo signs the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill into law.
The Coalition, also known as the ‘Big 18’, kicked against the legislation, arguing that it infringes on Ghana’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.
The bill seeks to make LGBTQI+ activities illegal in Ghana, proposing penalties of up to 3 years in jail for individuals and 5 years for those promoting such activities.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill received unanimous approval from Parliament on February 28, concluding nearly three years of deliberation.
It mandates a prison sentence of up to three years for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. Additionally, it prescribes a maximum five-year jail term for those involved in forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.
Efforts to replace prison sentences with community service and counseling were thwarted by MPs.
Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development and a member of the Coalition, Audrey Gadzekpo emphasised their readiness to challenge the bill in court.
Nevertheless, the Member of Parliament for Ho West, a supporter of the bill, affirmed their preparedness for legal proceedings.
“We are prepared since the inception of this bill in 2021. We’ve had so many opposition from the lives of Audrey Gadzekpo, Takyiwaa Manuh, Akoto Ampaw and the rest who stood against this bill including some advocates who think that this bill should not be passed. But thankfully we passed it,” Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah said.
He added that “in any case, we are prepared.”
During an interview with JoyNews, Prof Audrey Gadzekpo stated that the groups intend to present their case to President Akufo-Addo, urging him not to give assent to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
She conveyed her disappointment, pointing out that despite various opportunities for scrutiny when the bill was introduced, Parliament did not find sufficient grounds to conclude that such legislation was incompatible with the country’s democratic principles.
“It’s an obnoxious bill. It’s kind of like criminal libel, which the colonialists introduced, and we retained it. And it was used improperly against people, including journalists. We will come to find that this is like that,” she said.
