Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, has raised serious concerns about Ghana’s approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.
UNAIDS, in a statement, cautioned that if enacted, it could fuel violence, restrict access to life-saving services, and undermine fundamental liberties, potentially stalling Ghana’s developmental progress.
Byanyima underscored the negative impact on the fight against AIDS and overall public health.
The statement emphasized the potential harm that such legislation could inflict on individual freedoms and broader efforts to address health challenges.
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the Parliament of Ghana passed the anti-LGBTQ bill.
The bill was ratified by lawmakers after exhaustive consideration stages.
It mandates that “unnatural carnal knowledge” is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to three years.
As Ghana grapples with discussions surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, it becomes crucial for citizens to grasp its implications and significance within the socio-political landscape of the country.
Introduced by a group of lawmakers and endorsed by various religious and conservative groups, the bill mirrors broader societal attitudes towards homosexuality and gender diversity in the country.