Ghanaian transgender singer: "We shouldn't criminalize people who are queer"

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the Ghanaian Parliament enacted the Ghanaian Family Values and Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights Bill, 2021, which is also referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

After being introduced on the floor of Parliament for three years, the contentious legislation that outlaws lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalizes their funding, advocacy, and promotion nationwide was unanimously passed by the house.

If the president signs the anti-LGBTQ measure, among other things, he will punish those who actively promote and participate in LGBTQ events across the nation.

The measure stipulated that anyone caught engaging in same-sex activities would face a minimum term of six months and a maximum sentence of three years.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, Angel Maxine, speaking for the community, discussed her duty as an advocate for the voiceless in an interview with the German-based DW News Channel.

Those who identify as non-straight or who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth are frequently referred to as "queer" persons.

Angel Maxine also voiced worries that her gay identification would make her a target and that the bill might incite hate crimes against LGBT individuals.

She emphasized, "People will have the freedom and liberty to attack queer people because they believe it is legal because of the bill." 

If President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo signs the bill into law, it will take effect.