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Ghana's MPs move to restrict LGBTQ+ community

Ghana's parliament has passed a tough new bill that imposes a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone convicted of identifying as LGBTQ+. It also imposes a maximum five-year jail term for forming or funding LGBTQ+ groups.

Proponents of the bill, which had the backing of Ghana's two major political parties, have framed it as a response to international attacks on Ghanaian culture.

The US said it is "deeply troubled" by the bill which needs to be signed by the president to become law.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has previously said that he would do so if the majority of Ghanaians want him to.

Gay and lesbian sex is already against the law in Ghana - it carries a three-year prison sentence.
Newsday heard from Bismark Davis who is a social commentator in Ghana and supports the new bill.

β€œWe don't support this activity in the open... we don't support this activity in society."

(Pic: Same sex couple in Ghana; Credit: Reuters)

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