Ghana's Supreme Court delays decision on draconian anti-LGBTQ+ bill

The Supreme Court of Ghana has deferred ruling on an anti-LGBTQ+ bill, pulling it from being featured in the presidential election campaign. 

On Wednesday (17 July), the court adjourned the case without setting a date for proceedings to continue. The decision means the contentious bill, which is facing two lawsuits challenging its passage, will be excluded from December's campaign.

President Nana Akufo-Addo , who is stepping down after serving two terms , has so far refused to sign the bill into law, citing the legal challenges. The finance ministry also warned him that the country could lose up to $3.8 billion (close to £3 billion) in World Bank funding, which could affect Ghana’s economic recovery.

The proposed legislation, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill , was unanimously approved by the country’s parliament in February. 

Homosexual acts between men have been illegal in the West African nation since colonial times – and termed "unnatural carnal knowledge" – but the new law would impose a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone simply identifying as LGBTQ+.  

Those who organise or fund queer groups would face up to five years in prison, and the punishment is even harsher for those who advocate for LGBTQ+ minors, with a possible 10-year prison sentence.

The initial passage of the bill was described as “shocking and deeply disappointing” by director of Amnesty International Ghana Genevieve Partington. 

Last year, Uganda’s anti-homosexuality law prompted the World Bank to halt new loans to the East African country.