Controversial ‘Anti-Gay Bill’ Returns to Parliament for Consideration
The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has announced that the ‘Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill’ legislation, targeting LGBTQ+ communities has been re-submitted to Parliament for debate.
The bill, initially approved by the 8th Parliament but blocked by President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to sign it, aims to outlaw same-sex relationships and impose penalties on individuals or groups supporting or funding LGBTQ+ advocacy.
During a discussion with Citi News on Thursday, February 27, Rev. Ntim Fordjour appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to approve the bill if it clears the current Parliament, emphasizing the urgency of the legislation.
“Myself, Sam George, Hon Bedzrah, Hon Alhassan Tampuli, Hon Abdul Kabiru, Hon Ekow Vincent, we have reintroduced it and so it is to support the speedy passage of the bill so that he can assent to it. It has been admitted. It has been received and so the processes are going to be set in motion”, he stated.
He further stressed that the bill’s content remains unchanged from its earlier version, expressing confidence in its swift progression.
“But it is the same bill so it is not expected that it is going to delay at all. The chiefs, our Imams, our clergymen, and the coalition who supported us are still supporting us strongly,” he added.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour also highlighted broad institutional backing for the proposal, noting, “The speaker is in support and therefore it is expected that it will be passed quickly.”
The bill’s return has reignited debate over human rights and cultural values in Ghana, with proponents framing it as a defense of national morality and critics condemning it as discriminatory.
Legal Contentions
Earlier this week on Wednesday, February 26, the Supreme Court formally dismissed a review application filed by broadcaster Richard Sky, which sought to challenge its earlier decision on the constitutional validity of Parliament’s passage of the ‘Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill’.
Since its introduction to Parliament, the “Anti-Gay Bill” has faced some legal push and pulls with Richard Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi separately suing the legislature, arguing that the bill; a private member’s initiative, violated Article 108 of Ghana’s Constitution and Act 921.
They contended that incarcerating convicted individuals would burden public funds, making the Speaker’s approval of the bill unconstitutional.
However, on December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected both lawsuits, deeming them premature since the bill had not yet become law. The court also ruled that the plaintiffs failed to properly invoke its jurisdiction for constitutional interpretation.
By: Novire Kuuyizie Francis
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