Parliament has commenced the consideration stage of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, 2021 bill, which has been labeled by some as anti-gay or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
The House, convening on Friday, introduced several amendments to refine the bill, with plans to conclude the deliberations in preparation for the third reading.
Tensions flared on Wednesday when the First Deputy Speaker rejected a request to advance the bill to the consideration stage.
Reportedly, the Speaker had instructed the commencement as outlined in the Order Paper.
This decision sparked frustration among the bill’s supporters, who accused the Majority leadership of orchestrating a scheme to obstruct its progress.
Samuel Nartey George, the co-sponsor of the bill and MP for Ningo Prampram, issued a threat to expose Majority MPs allegedly influenced by individuals advocating for LGBTQ+ activities in the country.
Attempting to address the escalating tension, Speaker of the House, Alban S.K. Bagbin, assured that the bill would be enacted before the House goes on recess for the festive season.
He underscored the collective anticipation to promptly address the legislation, emphasizing potential consequences for members’ political careers if it is not enacted before the recess.
“I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill, and I know the bill will see the light of day before we rise because the people of Ghana are expecting us to pass the bill before we go on recess.”
“Failure to do so will have serious consequences on members as they want to advance in their political careers,” Speaker Bagbin stated.
Contrary to allegations of sabotaging the bill, the Majority Caucus has refuted such claims.
Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Parliament, highlighted underlying issues in the bill causing delays.
He affirmed that the entire Majority membership supports the bill but cautioned that continued posturing by the sponsors could compel a withdrawal of this support.
