Ghana's President Confirms Review of Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill
Ghana's anti-LGBTQ+ bill to be scrutinised before approval, president says

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Ghana's President John Mahama announced that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will be reviewed before approval. The bill, which criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, is under scrutiny due to procedural issues and pressures from religious leaders. Critics warn it infringes on human rights, while supporters claim it upholds traditional family values.
- 01The anti-LGBTQ+ bill will be reviewed by President Mahama's legal council and attorney general before approval.
- 02The bill has faced criticism for procedural lapses and potential human rights violations.
- 03A previous version of the bill was introduced in 2021 but did not receive presidential assent.
- 04The current bill exempts healthcare professionals from punishment for providing services to LGBTQ+ individuals.
- 05Human Rights Watch has called for the bill to be abandoned, citing its infringement on the rights of sexual minorities.
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Ghana's President John Mahama has confirmed that the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill will undergo thorough scrutiny before it is approved. During a recent visit to the UK, Mahama stated that his legal council and attorney general would review the bill, which was introduced as a private members' motion rather than a government initiative. He noted procedural lapses in its passage that are being addressed. The bill, which criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, has been supported by religious leaders and is intended to reinforce traditional family values. However, it has faced significant backlash from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, which has urged for its abandonment. The current version of the bill, reintroduced by a cross-party group of MPs, includes exemptions for healthcare and media professionals but threatens prison sentences for those identifying as LGBTQ+ allies. Critics argue that the bill undermines the rights of sexual minorities, while supporters maintain it is necessary for preserving societal values. The legislative landscape in Africa has seen a tightening of LGBTQ+ rights, with countries like Uganda implementing severe penalties for same-sex acts.
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The proposed legislation could significantly affect the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana.
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