21 Gay Rights Activists Denied Bail by Ghana Court

LAS VEGAS — (06-10-21) — International outrage has begun after a Ghanaian court on Tuesday denied bail to 21 gay rights activists arrested three weeks ago for what police are calling as an unlawful gathering.

The Ghanaian Court ordered the 16 women and five men to reappear in court on June 16 for their next hearing. Several of the Gay right activists were seen crying after the outrageous ruling in the southeastern city of Ho.

LGBTQ people continue to face widespread persecution in the West African nation where gay sex is punishable with up to three years in prison. Ghana has not prosecuted anyone for same-sex relations for nearly a decade, but the LGBTQ community has reported a recent crackdown by authorities backed by right wing extremists, over the past few months.

Watch LGBT Activists Denied Bail in Ghanian Court

“The Gay rights activists were arrested on May 20 at a hotel, police said in a statement at the time the activists were taken into custody. The statement by police accused the activists of having advocated LGBT activities with books and flyers with titles that included “All about Trans” and the popular “Coming out”.

The organization LGBT+ Rights Ghana, responded by saying that there was no lawful reason for the arrests, and that promoting LGBT rights is not illegal in Ghana.