African Lawmakers Back Stricter LGBT Laws at Ghana Conference

Lawmakers from more than a dozen African countries have voiced support for tighter restrictions on LGBT rights following a conference in Ghana that brought together “pro-family” activists from Africa and Europe.

The African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and Sovereignty was held in Accra from June 3 to 6, shortly after Ghana’s parliament passed a strict anti-LGBT bill criminalising the promotion of LGBT identities.

Delegates said the meeting reflects growing regional momentum for more restrictive laws affecting LGBT communities, which they linked partly to influence from conservative groups in the United States and Europe. Some participants also pointed to the return of Donald Trump to the White House as a factor encouraging renewed global pushback on LGBT rights.

Several attendees said the current US administration has taken a less interventionist approach compared to previous governments, particularly on promoting LGBT rights abroad.

Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, in his opening remarks, urged lawmakers to ensure the conference resolutions are implemented in their home countries.

“When you return to your respective capitals, let the resolutions we adopt here not gather dust in the archives of our secretariats. Let them be translated into active bills, robust budgetary allocations, and rigorous oversight,” he said.

He added: “Go home and tell your people that their representatives have resolved to protect the sanctuaries of their homes, the heritage of their ancestors, and the sovereignty of their nations.”

More than half of Africa’s 54 countries already criminalise same-sex relationships, with Uganda and Senegal among those recently strengthening laws targeting what they describe as the “promotion” of LGBT identities. Ghana’s parliament passed a similar measure in late May, though it is still awaiting presidential approval.

Organisers said about 20 countries were represented at the Accra meeting, though it remains unclear how many plan to introduce similar legislation. Some delegates expressed support but raised concerns about legislative procedures.

Meanwhile, over 100 African civil society organisations have urged Ghana’s president to reject the bill, warning against external influence on domestic policy.

The US State Department said its foreign assistance policy ensures taxpayer funds are not used for what it called divisive social issues.

Former Ugandan lawmaker Sarah Opendi, speaking at the conference, welcomed the changing global political tone, saying: “Let us first thank the American people for voting for President Trump. The conversation in America today is different.”