Ghana’s parliament passed legislation on February 28 that intensifies a crackdown on the rights of LGBTQ people and those promoting lesbian, gay, or non-conventional sexual or gender identities in the country.

The bill passed has imposed a prison sentence of up to 5 years in prison.

Before this new law, LQBTQ was already a crime punishable by up to 3 years in prison

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The West African nation’s parliament had rejected an amendment that would have seen jail terms for people who promote gay sex replaced with non-custodial sentences earlier this month on February 22.

While introducing the highly rejected amendment, ruling-party lawmaker Alexander Afenyo-Marrkin argued that imprisoning people for LGBTQ offenses would only worsen the situation.

The United States of America has expressed its deep concern about the Bill passed and is urging Ghana’s parliament to review the constitutionality of the bill.

“The Bill seeks to criminalize any person who simply identifies as LGBTQ as well as any friend, family, or member of the community who does not report them.” The U.S. State Department said in a statement.

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It further stated that would undermine Ghana’s valuable public health, media, and civic spaces as well as their economy.

“The United States echoes the call by those Ghanaians who have urged a review of the constitutionality of the bill to protect the rights of all individuals in Ghana.” The department said.