Speaker of Ghana Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin speaks on the Parliament House in Accra, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Ghana’s parliament handed a extremely controversial anti-LGBTQ+ invoice on Wednesday that might ship some folks to jail for greater than a decade.

Misper Apawu/AP

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Misper Apawu/AP

Speaker of Ghana Parliament Alban Sumana Bagbin speaks on the Parliament House in Accra, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Ghana’s parliament handed a extremely controversial anti-LGBTQ+ invoice on Wednesday that might ship some folks to jail for greater than a decade.

Misper Apawu/AP

ACCRA, Ghana — Ghana ‘s parliament handed a extremely controversial anti-LGBTQ+ invoice on Wednesday that might ship some folks to jail for greater than a decade.

The invoice was launched to parliament three years in the past and criminalizes members of the LGBTQ+ group in addition to its supporters, together with promotion and funding of associated actions and public shows of affection.

Speaking to reporters after the invoice was handed Wednesday one in every of its sponsors, lawmaker Sam George, mentioned he felt relieved. “(I) feel like a burden has been taken from me,” he mentioned.

The invoice has been despatched to the president’s desk to be signed into regulation.

The West African nation has typically been thought-about extra respectful of human rights than most African nations and the invoice has sparked condemnation among the many worldwide group and rights teams.

A coalition of human rights activists mentioned the invoice violated elementary human rights.

“This bill seeks to infringe on, among others, the rights to dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to partake in processions, academic freedom, equality and non-discrimination,” mentioned the group in an announcement.

Sponsors of the invoice defended it saying it seeks to offer safety for kids and people who find themselves victims of abuse.

Lawmakers proposing the invoice mentioned they consulted influential spiritual leaders whereas drafting it. Among these endorsing it are the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the nation’s chief imam.