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| Global LGBTQ Bill Updates June 2026: Ghana Criminalizes Identity, US States Split on Rights |
Global LGBTQ Legislation Shifts: Ghana Poised to Criminalize Identity as US, EU Diverge on Rights
June 2026 has brought significant developments in LGBTQ legislation worldwide, with Ghana advancing sweeping criminalization, the US seeing a surge in state-level bills, and the EU pushing stronger protections. Here’s what you need to know.
Ghana: “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill” Passes Parliament
Status: Passed May 29, 2026. Awaiting President John Dramani Mahama’s signature.
Key Provisions:
1. Identity criminalized: Up to 3 years prison for identifying as LGBTQ+
2. Promotion banned: Up to 10 years for advocating, funding, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities
3. Duty to report: Citizens obligated to report suspected LGBTQ+ individuals
4. Limited exemptions: Lawyers, journalists, and medical professionals can provide services without prosecution
Political Context:
The NPP Minority demands the original 2024 bill be passed unchanged, accusing the NDC of weakening it with 31 amendments. Speaker Alban Bagbin called for Parliament to “revisit” the bill on June 2 to build broader consensus. President Mahama is expected to sign it.
Impact: Leila Lariba of One Love Sisters Ghana says “people are panicking and scared,” with risk of eviction and job loss. Activists urge deleting online content that could lead to prosecution.
United States: 530 Anti-LGBTQ Bills Tracked in 2026
Federal Landscape:
- ACLU tracking 530 anti-LGBTQ bills nationwide as of May 29, 2026
- H.R.3708 “No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act”: Introduced to repeal Executive orders targeting LGBTQI+ people
- Visa restrictions: Since March 2026, applicants must list sex assigned at birth. Trans travelers risk denial if passport gender differs. This is already impacting World Cup 2026 fan attendance
State Developments:
1. Colorado: Gov. Jared Polis signed *HB26-1322* on June 1, 2026, banning conversion therapy for minors
2. Tennessee: Passed 10 LGBTQ-related laws, including HB2498 banning Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care
3. California: AB 1540 restores LGBTQ+ 988 suicide hotline funding; SB 934 extends conversion therapy lawsuit window
4. New York: Bill to replace “mother/father” with “gestating/non-gestating parent” sent to Gov. Hochul
5. Host States: 110 anti-LGBTQ bills tracked in World Cup 2026 host states, 39 in Missouri alone post.
European Union: Push for Stronger Protections
EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 proposed with focus on:
1. Protecting from hate speech and hate crimes
2. Empowering through employment and inclusive education
3. EU-wide ban on conversion practices, recognizing them as hate crimes
Hungary: EU infringement case continues over ‘Child Protection’ Act affecting LGBTIQ+ rights.
Other Nations
Senegal: 2026 bill doubles prison term for same-sex acts and criminalizes “promotion of homosexuality”.
The Global Divide
West Africa is seeing a wave of criminalization legislation, while parts of the US continue rolling back protections, especially for transgender people. The EU is moving in the opposite direction, proposing to strengthen anti-discrimination measures.
What’s Next
1. Ghana: Presidential assent expected within weeks. Legal challenges likely.
2. US: State sessions continue through 2026. World Cup visa rules may face legal scrutiny.
3. EU: Equality Strategy vote expected Q3 2026.
Last updated: June 6, 2026_
Sources: ACLU, Ghana Parliament, The Guardian,
