Gay sex is already punishable with up to three years in jail in Ghana, where homophobic persecution is widespread, but the draft law would go much further – making it illegal to be LGBTQ+ or advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and imposing longer sentences. “This bill is a homophobe’s dream law,” said Danny Bediako from Rightify Ghana, a local LGBTQ+ group, in reference to the proposal submitted to parliament last month. “The community is shocked at how wide-ranging it is.
People are even scared to go out now and some members say they will leave the country if the bill is passed into law. Even those who want to help us will be afraid,” he added.