Anti-LGBTQ bill: Afenyo-Markin blocks 3rd reading over custodial sentencing

Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has made a significant intervention by preventing the third reading of the Anti-LGBTQ bill, effectively delaying its passage on the current legislative agenda.

Had it not been for Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s action, the controversial legislation would likely have proceeded to the next stage of approval on Thursday, February 15, 2023.

While Mr. Afenyo-Markin has clarified that he does not fundamentally oppose the overarching principles of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, he has expressed specific concerns regarding one of its provisions.

In particular, the Effutu legislator has voiced strong opposition to the aspect of the bill that mandates imprisonment as a penalty for individuals accused of involvement in or advocacy for LGBTQ activities.

This stance underscores Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s nuanced approach to legislative matters, wherein he supports the broader aims of the bill while advocating for amendments to address what he perceives as potential injustices or disproportionate punitive measures.

“The essence of this motion is to afford this august house the opportunity to thoroughly consider amendments that are proposed in the bill with the view of substituting community service for incarceration,” he said.

According to him, the bill’s punitive action would not aid in rehabilitating the culprits.

“The issue before us is behavioral, and it is my humble view that in dealing with behavioural matters, incarceration is not the solution. It makes the matter worse.

He explained that “to jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights.”

Meanwhile, a sponsor of the bill, Sam George, indicated that Mr. Markin’s argument does not hold water.