In the wake of parliament passing the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, a Ghanaian musician transgender and a longstanding advocate against the bill, Angel Maxine, has expressed profound concerns for her safety.
Maxine, along with activists, had hoped for the bill’s rejection when it first reached parliament in 2021, but their efforts have been in vain.
In an interview with DW News, Maxine expressed sadness, stating, “I felt devastated, I was heartbroken, I haven’t slept. It is painful to know that your life as a human being is being criminalised. The life you have always struggled for, the life you want to live, you haven’t lived a decent life as any other being is now criminalised,”
“I am sad because we have been working all these years for this bill not to be passed.”
Parliament approved the bill on Wednesday, February 28, the controversial bill, aimed at restricting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana, imposes a jail term of up to three years for those identifying as LGBTQ+ engaged in same-sex relationships and activities.
It further entails a prison sentence of up to five years for the promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities. Individuals convicted of promoting and funding LGBTQ+ related activities could face up to a decade behind bars.
Ghana’s conservative society, influenced by religious and cultural beliefs, has long considered homosexuality taboo.
The new legislation enjoys widespread support among Ghanaians, evident in the unanimous backing from lawmakers on Wednesday.
This support came from a coalition of Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian traditional leaders.
The bill’s main sponsor, opposition lawmaker Sam George, urged President Akufo-Addo not to delay signing the bill into law, emphasizing its effectiveness in dealing with LGBTQ+ issues.
President Akufo-Addo’s decision to sign the bill is now under scrutiny.
Last year, he declined to sign certain human rights-related bills, citing financial implications for the state.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill could face similar considerations.
Human rights groups, including the “Big 18” umbrella group in Ghana, have urged the president not to sign the bill.
Professor Takyiwaa Manuh, a member of the coalition, emphasized, “You cannot criminalize a person’s identity, and that’s what the bill is doing, and it’s absolutely wrong.”
Global condemnation has followed, with the United States expressing deep concerns, and UNAIDS warning that the bill could obstruct access to crucial services and jeopardize Ghana’s development success.
The international community’s response is a point of concern for some Ghanaians, with worries about potential negative impacts on Ghana’s image and economy.
Local opinions on the bill remain mixed, with some applauding the legislation and others expressing reservations about potential fallout.