Misper Apau/AP
Accra, Ghana — Ghana's parliament passed a highly controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill Wednesday that could send some people to prison for more than a decade.
The bill was introduced in parliament three years ago and criminalizes members and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, including promoting and funding related activities and public displays of affection.
Speaking to reporters after the bill passed Wednesday, Rep. Sam George, one of the sponsors, said he felt relieved. “(I feel like) it took a burden off me,” he said.
The bill was sent to the president's desk to be signed into law.
The West African country has generally been seen as more respectful of human rights than most African countries, and the bill has drawn criticism from the international community and among human rights groups.
A coalition of human rights activists said the law violated basic human rights.
“This bill violates the rights to dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to participate in marches, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination,” the group said in a statement.
The bill's sponsors defended the bill as protecting children and victims of abuse.
Lawmakers who introduced the bill said they consulted with influential religious leaders while drafting it. Among those supporting it are the Christian Council of Ghana, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Ghana and the country's chief imam.