LGBTQ people in fear as Ghana pushes to criminalize same-sex activities | DW News

Key Concepts

• Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill: A controversial piece of legislation in Ghana that criminalizes same-sex relationships and advocacy.
• Criminalization: The act of making specific behaviors (LGBTQ+ identity and support) punishable by law, including potential prison sentences.
• Totalitarianism/Authoritarianism: The concern that targeting marginalized groups sets a precedent for broader state overreach and the erosion of democratic norms.
• Societal Stigma: The systemic discrimination, fear, and stereotyping faced by the queer community in Ghana.
• Mandatory Reporting: A provision in the bill that could legally obligate citizens to report queer individuals, including family members, to authorities.

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1. The Legislative Context and Impact

The Ghanaian Parliament has passed the "Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill," which seeks to criminalize same-sex activities and the organizations that support them.

• Penalties: Individuals found in violation could face up to three years in prison.
• Scope: The bill extends beyond the LGBTQ+ community to include those who provide funding or advocacy.
• Mandatory Reporting: A critical, often overlooked aspect of the bill is that it may legally compel citizens to report suspected queer individuals, potentially forcing family members to report their own children.
• Democratic Concerns: Human rights activists argue that this legislation is a "slippery slope" toward authoritarianism, noting that totalitarian regimes often begin by targeting the most vulnerable members of society.

2. Real-World Implications and Personal Experiences

The atmosphere in Ghana has shifted from general societal prejudice to acute fear and uncertainty.

• Daily Life: Queer individuals report living in constant fear of physical attacks, discrimination, and being reported to authorities.
• Case Study (Steven): A queer individual interviewed for the report described the psychological toll of the bill, noting that he now lives in a state of constant vigilance, fearing for his safety every day. He is currently considering going into hiding or fleeing the country.
• Case Study (Angel Maxine Oku): A transgender woman and activist, Oku shared her personal experience of coming out in 2019. She faced severe backlash, including the loss of her job and eviction by her landlady. She characterizes the current bill as "political propaganda" rather than a genuine reflection of societal needs.

3. Societal Attitudes and Misconceptions

There is a significant disconnect between the public perception of the bill and its actual legal reach.

• Public Support vs. Reality: While the bill enjoys broad public support, Oku argues that many citizens do not realize the bill’s provisions apply to them as well. The public has been led to believe the bill is solely about preventing "promiscuity" or protecting children, while failing to recognize that it mandates the reporting of neighbors and family members.
• Cultural Context: Oku emphasizes that queer individuals have always existed within Ghanaian culture, citing traditional terms for gender and sexual diversity. She argues that the current hostility is fueled by social media visibility and a discomfort with queer people living openly rather than "hiding and shrinking."

4. Key Arguments and Perspectives

• The "Bully" Argument: Activists argue that the state is using the power of Parliament to target the weakest members of society, which sets a dangerous precedent for future legislative overreach.
• The "Political Propaganda" Perspective: Oku suggests that the bill is a tool used by politicians to gain favor, rather than a necessary piece of legislation.
• The Call for Coexistence: The primary goal of the queer community is not necessarily radical change, but rather the ability to coexist peacefully, ensuring safety and security without the threat of state-sanctioned violence.

5. Notable Quotes

• On the threat to democracy: "Every society when it starts becoming totalitarian begins with its weakest members first... if we open that window we are actually opening up a pathway to authoritarianism down the road." — Human Rights Activist
• On the bill's reach: "People do not understand that this bill is coming for everybody." — Angel Maxine Oku
• On the desire for safety: "We just want our safety and security. We just want to live freely like any other Ghanaian without any tag." — Angel Maxine Oku

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Synthesis and Conclusion

The passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in Ghana represents a critical juncture for the country’s democratic trajectory. While the bill is framed by proponents as a defense of traditional values, activists highlight that it creates a climate of fear, mandates the surveillance of citizens by their peers, and threatens the fundamental rights of a minority group. The future of the bill rests on whether the President chooses to sign it into law. Regardless of the outcome, the queer community in Ghana remains in a precarious position, advocating for the right to exist and coexist within a society that is increasingly hostile toward their visibility.