Sex toys
In a ruling on July 25, 2024, Ghana's Supreme Court upheld Section 104 (1) (b) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which criminalizes sexual intercourse in an unnatural manner.
This includes the use of sex toys and engaging in anal and oral sex, even between consenting adults.
The law defines unnatural carnal knowledge as sexual intercourse in an unnatural manner or with an animal, with penalties ranging from five to twenty-five years in prison.
Although this is not an outright ban on the sale and use of sex toys, legally, using sex toys can land you in jail.
But before you pack up your toys to ‘Japa,’ know that Ghana is not the only country with laws against sex toys.
An investigation by GhanaWeb has discovered nine other places with laws against the sale and use of sex toys by individuals.
1. Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, where Islamic law is strictly practiced, the production, distribution, and consumption of pornography are strictly prohibited. Consequently, sex toys, considered as ‘pornographic materials,’ are not allowed anywhere in the country. These items are prohibited at airports and other points of entry, and being caught with them can lead to penalties ranging from confiscation to imprisonment or even execution.
2. Thailand
Although the Asian country is often considered sexually liberal, sex toys in Thailand are considered ‘obscene objects.’ They are prohibited from being brought into the country, and the punishments for buying, selling, or possessing sex toys can include up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.
3. India
While sex toys are not explicitly banned in the country, these objects can be considered ‘obscene objects,’ and their sale, display, promotion, import, or export can be restricted under India’s Penal Code.
4. United Arab Emirates
Before you pack up for Dubai, leave your dildos at home. The Islamic country has very strict laws on sex toys. Possessing them can result in severe penalties under the UAE’s legal framework, including confiscation and legal prosecution.
5. Malaysia
Similar to other Asian countries, sex toys can be classified as ‘obscene’ under Malaysia’s penal code. Selling, distributing, or possessing any obscene object is against the law and can lead to legal consequences like imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.
6. Vietnam
Although not explicitly banned, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has a policy against importing sex toys. Being found with one can lead to confiscation.
7. The Maldives
The popular vacation destination also has strict laws on producing, selling, importing, or disseminating "pornographic materials," such as films, books, magazines, videos, DVDs, software, and sex toys. Being caught with one can lead to confiscation and a jail term of up to six months.
8 & 9. United States of America (Alabama and Mississippi)
Despite being the ‘Land of the Free,’ the 1998 Anti-Obscenity Enforcement Act in Alabama and Mississippi defines adult sex toys as anything “designed or marketed for the stimulation of human genital organs.” Selling, producing, distributing, or even possessing obscene materials with the intent to distribute them is illegal, and offenders can face fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to one year.
So, before you plan on going to any of these countries, leave your toys at home. And while in Ghana, try not to let anyone know you use sex toys.
ID/OGB
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