Update: On February 28th, Ghana’s Parliament passed its Anti-LGBTQ+ bill
Original Story
Ghana is currently facing a controversial bill that seeks to criminalize LGBT activities and advocacy, which could have serious implications for the tech industry and its potential partners.
About The New Anti-LGBT Bill
The bill, titled “The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021“, was introduced in parliament in July 2022 and has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups, activists, and some foreign governments.
- The bill proposes penalties for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, engages in same-sex relations, supports or promotes LGBT rights, or provides services to LGBTQ people.
Proponents against the proposed bill say it violates the fundamental rights of freedom of expression, privacy, and non-discrimination, and creates a hostile environment for innovation and collaboration.
They also warn that the bill could deter tech talent and investors from choosing Ghana as a destination.
Foreign Tech Company Policies On LGBTQ
Ghana’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) increased by $524.3 million in December 2021. The government is attempting to woo more foreign companies to set up shop in Ghana including companies like Amazon.
But most tech companies the Ghanaian government is asking to invest in the country have established inclusive LGBTQ work policies for their employees.
Amazon earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index in 2022, ranking it among the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
Microsoft introduced sexual orientation into their non-discrimination policies in 1989 and the company has since been offering employee benefits for same-sex domestic partnerships as well establishing an inclusive work space for the LGBT community.
This year, Volkswagen established an assembly plant in Ghana to manufacture locally-made vehicles. The company, in 2018, scored 100 percent on the Corporate Equality Index (CEI), earning the designation as a 2018 Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality by satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees.
If Ghana’s anti-LGBT is passed, advocacy groups might pressure companies like the above-mentioned to reconsider their investments in the country.
The Uganda Effect
This year, the Ugandan government passed its own anti-LGBT law which has harsher penalties for LGBT including the death penalty for the offense of “aggravated homosexuality” and life imprisonment for “homosexuality.
Companies like Google and the Open For Business coalition which include companies such as Microsoft, MasterCard, HSBC, and Facebook owner Meta have all stated that the country’s law makes it “a concern for global businesses and investors operating or planning to invest“.
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