Bollywood Fever: Ghana’s Supreme Court has upheld a six-decade-old law criminalizing gay sex, a decision that comes as the nation awaits a verdict on a new bill proposing even stricter penalties. The seven-member panel dismissed a lawsuit challenging the law, with presiding Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie stating that the reasons for the decision would be provided at a later date.

The Ghanaian Criminal Code of 1960 prohibits same-sex sexual acts, categorizing them as “unnatural carnal knowledge,” with offenders facing up to three years in jail. This sentence could be lengthened if the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, passed in February, comes into effect. The bill also proposes intensifying the government’s crackdown on individuals accused of promoting lesbian, gay, or other minority sexual or gender identities.
Earlier this month, the court postponed ruling on whether the bill should be transmitted to President Nana Akufo-Addo for approval, stating that it must first be determined if the bill is constitutional.
In 2021, law lecturer Prince Obiri-Korang petitioned the apex court to annul aspects of the 1960 code that criminalizes same-sex sexual acts, arguing that it breached the constitutional right to privacy. However, this challenge was dismissed, reinforcing the existing legal framework against same-sex relationships in Ghana.
The decision has significant implications for the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana, which faces heightened legal and social pressures. The proposed bill, if enacted, would further entrench discrimination and potentially increase the severity of punishments for LGBTQ+ individuals and their advocates.
Also Read Other Articles, California Woman Sues JetBlue, Claims Incident Caused Cancer to Return
Ava Kris Tyson Steps Away from MrBeast Channel Amid Allegations
Netanyahu Addresses Congress Amid Protests and Political Divisions