The lead sponsor for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQI bill, Samuel Nartey George, has revealed that an overwhelming majority of MPs from both sides of the House supported the passage of the bill.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps moments after the bill’s approval in parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the Ningo-Prampram MP expressed gratitude and underscored the unity within the house.
“We want to thank Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who was very instrumental in passing this bill. The house has stood united, the overwhelming majority of both sides of the House have supported this bill.”
“After three long years, we have finally passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act 2024. I am grateful to my Colleague sponsors who have waged this battle with me to a successful end. Our collective gratitude goes to our Leadership and the Rt. Hon. Speaker for their guidance and leadership. Our values would be protected and defended so long as we have a voice. For God and Country.”
Sam George urged the President to assent to the bill, highlighting the widespread backing it received within the legislative body. Before its passage, sponsors of the Bill filed a motion for a further consideration stage.
“The president should be a man and stick to the words he spoke… and the assurances he gave to members of the clergy he was going to ensure that anything that promoted LGBTQ+ will be dealt with. There is nothing that deals with LGBTQ+ better than this bill that has just been passed by Parliament.”
“We expect the President to walk his talk and be a man of his word,” he added.
Sam George proposed that clauses 10 and 11 of the anti-LGBT bill, which deals with editorial policies of media firms, be subjected to article 12 of the 1992 constitution, which provides for the freedom of the media.
“The intent of the bill has never been to gag your Chapter 12 rights… your editorial rights to issues on the subject of homosexuality, issues on the subject of Ghanaian family values would continue to be protected by us as sponsors and the Constitution of the Republic,” he stated.
The amendments were approved by the House as part of the bill.
On his part, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, filed a motion for clause 12 of the bill, which deals with the funding of LGBT activities, to be subjected to the constitution, but this was rejected by the House.
The passage of the Bill by Parliament comes a day after the Board Chair of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, urged President Akufo-Addo to reject the Bill.
Prof. Gadzekpo argued that the bill undermines fundamental human rights protected by the Constitution, including the rights to dignity, freedom of speech and association, procession participation, academic freedom, equality, and non-discrimination.
Speaking at a press conference, she warned that altering these rights could jeopardize Ghana’s democratic principles, highlighting the significance of the issue for all citizens.
The Bill would now require presidential assent to come into force.
