LGBTQ+ bill to be passed latest by Friday – Minority leader

The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the much-debated Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is slated for passage by the coming Friday, February 16.

This legislation seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ practices within the nation.

In an interview with JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr. Forson explained that the bill has been subjected to extensive scrutiny and is in the final stages of review. This involves ensuring that all amendments agreed upon by the Parliament are accurately integrated into the document.

He further noted that the review process is expected to conclude by Wednesday. Following this, the bill will undergo a third reading on Thursday, after which the Speaker of Parliament will call for a vote, allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to decide on the bill’s enactment.

“By weekend Ghana should have a bill called Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” he said on Tuesday.

When asked if the legislature is ready for the global backlash that could arise from the passage of the bill, he said the people of Ghana want this bill passed.

According to Dr Forson, there has been surprising unanimity among the Members of Parliament, as no one stood against the bill during the Speaker’s inquiry.

The Ajumako Enyan Esiam lawmaker further highlighted the longstanding nature of the debate, with the bill’s details being before Parliament since 2021.

Despite the extended deliberations, Dr Forson remains confident in the overwhelming support for the bill.

“It has been here for three years and we’re still debating it. We’ve finished the consideration, what is left is the third reading and after that the speaker will put the question and those in favour will say ‘yes’ and those against will say ‘no’ but in the end, I’ve not seen any MP against this bill and the people of Ghana are strongly in favour of this bill. The Afrobarometer shows that 90% of Ghanaians are in favour,” he said.

The Minority Leader was also confident that the bill would definitely become law.

According to him, even though President Akufo-Addo can exercise his discretion not to approve the bill to become law, Parliament will ensure that he appends his signature.

“Even if the President fails to sign it, the bill would have to come back to Parliament, where MPs will use a two-thirds majority to have it signed.

“So as it stands now, I think the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will become law even if the President fails to [willingly] sign it,” he was categorical.

Source:mypublisher24