Experts question practicality of proposed Anti-LGBTQ+ law

A leading academic discussion on media, sexuality and human rights has raised concerns about the practicality and potential consequences of Ghana’s proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, with scholars warning that the law could create enforcement challenges, especially in educational settings.

The concerns were raised during a virtual monthly lecture series themed “Rethinking Human Sexuality in Africa: The Weaponization of Media and Communication Against Non-Normative Sexual Identity” held on May 19, 2026.

The session featured the former Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, Prof Audrey Gadzekpo, Professor Prof Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Ghana School of Law, Reverend Jide Macaulay, the founder and CEO of House of Rainbow, among other personalities.

The programme was hosted by the founder of the Centre for Religion and Public Life (CRPL-Ghana) and lecturer in Religion and Human Values at the University of Cape Coast, Rev Canon Dr Confidence Bansah.

Prof Gadzekpo questioned how provisions of the proposed law would apply within academic environments, particularly in universities where open discussion and critical analysis form part of teaching and learning.

She argued that “it would be difficult to determine the limits of academic freedom if lecturers discussing media coverage of LGBTQ+ issues or broader social debates could be interpreted as promoting or endorsing prohibited conduct.”

She further raised concerns about the implications for international and exchange students who may openly express their sexual identity during classroom discussions, asking whether such disclosures would place lecturers under legal obligation to report them.

According to her, such scenarios raise practical questions about enforcement and could place academics in difficult positions between professional responsibility and legal compliance.

Prof Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua supported concerns about the practicality of the proposed law, describing some aspects of it as problematic in implementation and potentially restrictive to academic discourse.

He argued that academic environments require open discussion to ensure students understand complex social issues, including sexuality, media representation and human rights.

He cautioned that limiting discussion or discouraging open engagement could lead to misinformation and misunderstanding among students.

He further emphasised that “education involves exposing learners to different perspectives, adding that restricting such discussions could undermine critical thinking and informed decision-making.”

Prof Appiagyei-Atua also linked the issue to broader public health and social policy concerns, arguing that overly restrictive approaches may not effectively address the underlying social realities.

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Following the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament, the Speaker referred the bill to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice on January 28, 2025, for further review. Observations from the Attorney-General’s Office were submitted on April 7, 2025, and later forwarded to the sponsors of the bill.

Nine Members of Parliament later indicated their intention to reintroduce the legislation. They include Sam Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, John Ntim Fordjour, Helen Ntoso, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru and Anthony Mmieh.

The Speaker further disclosed that the Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Private Members’ Motions unanimously concluded that the bill does not violate any constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 106 and 108 of the Constitution.

With the bill now set to return to the House, attention has shifted to the Business Committee, the parliamentary body responsible for scheduling and planning parliamentary business.

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