Parliament yesterday pulled the breaks on the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The bill popularly known as the anti-gay Bill now sponsored by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour and 9 others was advertised yesterday on the order paper but was never laid. Speaking at the leadership media engagement today, majority leader Mahama Ayariga disclosed the speaker and himself were shocked at the sight of the bill.
According to the Bawku Central MP, the controversial bill was passed last year but for President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to give it an assent and thus requires no reintroduction. Mr. Ayariga further revealed the clerk to parliament conceded the advertisement was done in error.
Deputy Minority Chief Whip Habib Iddrissu however on the floor questioned the absence of the bill on the order paper. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga once again offered the same explanation which was corroborated by first deputy speaker Bernard Ahiafor who was presiding.
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin questioned why the NDC is running away from a bill it made political capital out of in opposition. The Effutu MP, insisted the legislation will be passed.
Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu laid the blame squarely on the doorsteps of former President Akufo-Addo for failing to act on the bill when transmitted to him. According to the Tamale South MP, the former President breached the constitution when he failed to assent to the bill or return it to Parliament. Mr. Iddrisu however assured Ghana will have a legislation to proscribe activities of the LGBTQI+ Community.
