Ghana's parliament approved a measure on Saturday that makes homosexuality and any support for LGBTQ+ initiatives subject to criminal penalties.

Under the new rules, individuals in same-sex partnerships or those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer face up to three years in prison.

Those found promoting LGBTQ+ conduct, including through financial support for related organizations, could receive sentences of up to 10 years.

Supporters of LGBTQ+ rights may also encounter jail time under the provisions.

The legislation introduces an obligation to notify authorities about same-sex conduct, though exemptions apply to legal, media, and medical workers handling reports, coverage, or care.

The vote occurs just before Pride Month launches worldwide on Monday.

Ghana advances efforts to restrict same-sex relations

Bill sponsor Reverend John Ntim Fordjour stated that the law aims to safeguard traditional Ghanaian family structures and cultural standards.

He noted that the changes strengthen prior statutes to address LGBTQI practices more effectively, according to the BBC.

The proposal succeeds an earlier 2024 version that Ghana's previous president declined to enact. Current President John Mahama has expressed backing for the bill and has affirmed his view that only two genders exist and that marriage involves one man and one woman, the BBC reported.

Human Rights Watch described the bill as overly severe upon its March reintroduction and urged lawmakers to set it aside during constitutional review.

Same-sex conduct has remained prohibited in Ghana since the colonial period under British rule, the BBC indicated.

Ghana now aligns with several other African nations that have enacted restrictions on homosexuality.

Uganda adopted highly restrictive measures in 2023 that include capital punishment for specific acts and lifetime imprisonment for homosexual conduct.

Senegal imposes up to 10 years of incarceration for same-sex activity.