The Minority in Parliament has strongly opposed the newly passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, arguing that the amendments introduced into the legislation weaken its effectiveness and could inadvertently promote activities the bill was originally intended to prohibit.
The controversial bill was passed by Parliament last Friday with 31 amendments, including exemptions for intersex persons, lawyers, journalists and certain professional activities.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament, lead sponsor of the bill and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, called on the government to reintroduce the original version of the legislation that was passed by Parliament in 2024 but did not receive presidential assent before the end of the previous administration.
According to him, the amendments have significantly diluted the bill’s intent and effectiveness.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour contended that the broad exemptions contained in the revised legislation create loopholes that could be exploited, thereby undermining efforts to curb LGBTQI+ activities in the country.
He maintained that the original bill passed in 2024 provided stronger legal safeguards and more clearly reflected the objectives of its sponsors and supporters.
The Minority argues that rather than strengthening the legislation, the amendments have reduced its potency and may make enforcement more difficult.
The revised Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill continues to generate intense public and political debate, with supporters of the amendments arguing that they are necessary to protect constitutional rights, professional duties and legitimate medical considerations, while opponents insist the changes weaken the bill’s core provisions.
The Minority has therefore urged the government to reconsider the amended version and resubmit the 2024 bill for consideration.
