The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has expressed optimism about the timely conclusion of the clause-by-clause amendment process for the bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill. With Parliament resuming its session on Tuesday, February 6, the House is set to continue its deliberations on the controversial legislation today.
The bill, which aims to criminalize LGBTQ and associated activities within Ghanaian society, has been a topic of heated debate both domestically and internationally. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, speaking during the opening session in Parliament, revealed that the amendment process is expected to reach its conclusion by the end of Friday, February 9.
In his address, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated, “The Business Committee on February 5 programmed to have the first consideration of the bill beginning February 7, and we do anticipate that we will be able to get it to a closure by Friday [February 9].” This declaration underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the legislation swiftly.
Furthermore, he provided insight into the progress of other bills currently under consideration, including those pertaining to the Ghana Boundary Commission and the Ghana Hydro Power Authority. While these bills are also at various stages of the legislative process, the focus remains primarily on the contentious anti-gay bill.
The parliamentary proceedings in the coming days are expected to shed light on the fate of these legislative measures.