Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, popularly known as the LGBTQ+ Bill. The legislation, which has been under consideration for nearly three years since its introduction as a Private Members Bill, reached its final stage on Friday, 23rd February 2024.
The passage of the bill came after it underwent a second consideration stage, where amendments to clauses 10 and 11 were made to subject them to constitutional scrutiny.
The original bill faced criticism for deeming any commentary on same-sex activities, whether by individuals or media houses, as promoting such activities.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Hon. Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Defeamekpor, played a pivotal role in moving the motion for the third reading of the bill. This motion, seconded by the MP for Ningo-Prampram, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, signifies a crucial step in the legislative process.
Before the bill’s passage, there was a contentious debate over the suspension of Order 172(1), which mandates a waiting period before the third reading of a bill. The sponsors of the bill successfully moved for this suspension, paving the way for the legislation to proceed.
However, disagreements arose over proposed amendments during the debate. The Majority Leader, Hon. Afenyo-Markin, pleaded for the opportunity to make unadvertised amendments, but this request was rejected by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The Speaker emphasized the need for consistency in subjecting provisions to constitutional scrutiny.
The sponsors of the bill, including Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Hon. Della Adjoa Sowah, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Hon. John Ntim Fordjour, Hon. Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Hon. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, and Hon. Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor, have been instrumental in guiding the bill through its legislative journey.
The controversial nature of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has sparked intense debates surrounding press freedom, constitutional rights, and the recognition of diverse sexual orientations.
With its passage, the bill is now set to be sent to the President for assent, marking a significant moment in Ghana’s legislative history that is likely to continue generating discussions and reactions from various quarters.
