This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: Status of legislation and rights since 2021.(December 2022) |
LGBT rights in Ghana | |
---|---|
Status | |
Penalty | Up to 3 years imprisonment |
Gender identity | No |
Military | No |
Discrimination protections | No |
Family rights | |
Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex unions |
Adoption | No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Ghana face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.[5] Sexual acts between males have been illegal as "unnatural carnal knowledge" in Ghana since the colonial era. The majority of Ghana's population hold anti-LGBT sentiments.[6][5] Physical and violent homophobic attacks against LGBT people occur, and are often encouraged by the media and religious and political leaders.[7] At times, government officials, such as police, engage in such acts of violence.[8] Young gay people are known to be disowned by their families and communities and evicted from their homes. Families often seek conversion therapy from religious groups when same-sex orientation or non-conforming gender identity is disclosed; such "therapy" is reported to be commonly administered in abusive and inhumane settings.[9][8][10]
Despite the constitution guaranteeing a right to freedom of speech, expression and assembly to Ghanaian citizens, these fundamental rights are actively denied to LGBT people.[11] Pro-LGBT activism exists in Ghana, but such efforts are often thwarted by the Ghanaian government.[12] Despite this, by 2016 attitudes in Ghana towards homosexuality were evolving and becoming more tolerant and accepting of LGBT rights. This situation deteriorated sharply in 2021.
In February 2024, with the support of the country's two major political parties, the Parliament of Ghana passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to make it a crime to identify as LGBT in Ghana, with penalties of up to three years in prison. Funding or forming a LGBT-related group would be punished by up to five years in prison. The bill was forwarded to president Nana Akufo-Addo, who may now sign into law or veto it. Akufo-Addo previously said that if most Ghanians wanted the legislation, he would not oppose it.[13]
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