Supporters of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, have declared their readiness to confront legal challenges from the Coalition of 18 Civil Society Groups if President Akufo-Addo signs the bill into law.
The Coalition, known as the ‘Big 18’, has expressed intentions to challenge the legislation in court, arguing that it infringes on Ghana’s diverse cultural and religious landscape.
The bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQI+ activities in Ghana, imposes penalties of up to three years in jail for individuals and five years for promoters of such activities. Despite opposition from civil society groups, the bill was unanimously passed by Parliament on February 28 after nearly three years of deliberation.
The legislation introduces prison sentences of up to three years for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for those forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups. Attempts to replace prison sentences with community service and counseling were frustrated by MPs during the parliamentary proceedings.
In response to the threat of legal action, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Member of Parliament for Ho West and a proponent of the bill, expressed readiness to face any court challenges. He highlighted the persistence of opposition to the bill since its inception in 2021 but affirmed their preparedness to defend its passage.
Meanwhile, Audrey Gadzekpo, Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development and a member of the Coalition, reiterated their determination to challenge the bill in court. She emphasized the coalition’s intention to present arguments to President Akufo-Addo urging him not to assent to the legislation.
Gadzekpo criticized the bill as obnoxious and likened it to colonial-era laws like criminal libel, which were used improperly against individuals, including journalists. She expressed disappointment that Parliament did not see fit to reject the bill, despite opportunities for scrutiny during its proposal.