President Mahama Pledges to Sign Anti-LBGTQ Bill If Passed by Parliament, Rejects Same-Sex Marriage and Transgender Rights

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights, stating that he would sign the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” – commonly known as the anti-LBGTQ bill – if it is passed by Parliament.

A group of 10 MPs in Ghana have resubmitted a controversial bill that would impose some of the toughest restrictions on LGBT rights in Africa.

The bill prescribes a three-year jail term for people who identify as gay, and five to 10 years for promoters and advocates.

The legislation was passed by parliament last year, but the former President, Nana Akufo-Addo, declined to sign it into law before leaving office in January, citing legal challenges.

It has been widely condemned by both local and international human rights groups, with some describing it as draconian.