Minority accuses government of obstructing return of anti-LGBTQ Bill to Parliament

The Minority in Parliament has criticised the government for allegedly preventing the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

The caucus says it has been five weeks since Speaker Alban Bagbin indicated that the revised bill was undergoing final adjustments to facilitate its passage. However, the bill has still not been brought back before the House.

Addressing Parliament on Friday, November 21, the lead sponsor of the bill, Assin South MP Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, called for the bill to be scheduled on the order paper next week for debate.

He argued that Parliament must not appear to be abandoning a key priority of the previous Eighth Parliament, especially as, in his view, LGBTQ activities continue to undermine Ghana’s cultural and family values.

He expressed disappointment over what he described as a deliberate attempt by the government to keep the bill off the agenda, urging that any oversight be corrected so the bill can be laid and taken through its first reading.

Responding to the claims, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected the accusations, insisting there is no effort by the government to block the bill’s return. He reaffirmed the Mahama administration’s commitment to seeing the legislation passed.