Parliament to hold crucial debate on anti-LGBTQ+ bill this week

Parliament is set to meet and discuss the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, more commonly referred to as the anti-LGBT bill this week.

The proposed legislation aims to outlaw LGBTQ+ activities and associated conduct. Additionally, it seeks to prohibit the propagation, advocacy, or endorsement of such activities. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the safeguarding and support of children and individuals who may be affected as victims or accused parties involved in LGBTQ+ matters.

Initially, the MPs were scheduled to deliberate on the matter on June 27, but the House was empty as the majority of the MPs from both sides of the political divide were in Assin North for the by-election.

However, the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, provided clarification regarding the inability of the House to proceed with the bill’s second reading as instructed by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.

He stated that the absence of both the Chairman and Ranking Member on the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee was the reason behind this delay.

“We had it last week, but we couldn’t make any progress because the chairman and the ranking member had travelled out. We hope that we will make some progress within this week. When the Speaker and the ranking member come, we will put our heads together and locate the bill,” Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu said.

The upcoming debate is expected to be fiercely contested, as it addresses an issue that has deeply divided public opinion in Ghana. Advocates argue that the bill would safeguard traditional Ghanaian family values, while critics assert that it violates human rights and promotes discrimination.

As the nation holds its breath for the parliamentary session, the outcome of the debate will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the rights and liberties of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana.