Lawmakers in Ghana earlier this month reintroduced an anti-LGBTQ bill that was passed by the country's Parliament in February 2024, but not enacted.

The legislation, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, called for prison terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex sexual relations, and up to five years for those who engage in "willful promotion, sponsorship or support of LGBTQ activities."

Ghana's Supreme Court in December rejected two legal bids to block the bill. It ruled that, as outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo had not yet signed the bill into law, it could not be declared unconstitutional.

President John Mahama, who took office in January, said he was committed to passing the bill, which had widespread public support in Ghana but was condemned internationally for curtailing LGBTQ rights.

Abdul-Wadud Mohammed, deputy director of LGBT Rights Ghana, told DW that he grew up in Ghana, but left his homeland because he constantly felt "under threat" there. He told DW that he knew by the age of 10 that he was gay.

"I grew up just trying to understand what I am. Everybody who knew me knew that I was gay and that has been my life," Mohammed said, adding that he, like the majority of queer people in Ghana, faces hate and hostility from some Ghanaians due to his sexuality.

He is not alone.

"I personally........

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