The recent passage of Ghana’s anti-gay bill has drawn deep sadness from Virginia Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana. On February 28, 2024, the country’s Parliament approved the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
This legislation, criminalizing LGBTQ activities and their promotion, advocacy, and funding, passed after thorough consideration stages. Offenders now face 6 months to 3 years in jail, while promoters and sponsors could be sentenced to 3 to 5 years.
The bill’s approval has triggered international discussions, drawing scrutiny from human rights advocates who believe it may compromise individual freedoms.
In a post on the X app, Virginia emphasized the importance of respecting and safeguarding the rights of every individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation.
She asserted that the law infringes on the fundamental human rights of Ghanaians, encompassing some of the most intelligent, creative, and decent individuals she knows who identify as LGBTQ. Virginia also voiced concern that the bill poses a threat to freedoms of speech, assembly, and the press.
Moreover, she emphasized the possible adverse effects on Ghana’s global standing and its economic well-being.
