Ntim Fordjour backs Bagbin’s call for review of Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has defended Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin over his call for the reconsideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 (anti-LGBTQ bill), arguing that the focus should be on producing legislation that can withstand legal scrutiny and be effectively implemented.
Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Tuesday, June 2, the MP, who is also a sponsor of the bill, said concerns raised by the Speaker should not be dismissed, especially given the possibility that the law could face legal challenges.
He stressed that Parliament’s priority should be to craft a strong and enforceable law rather than rush through a bill that could later be struck down by the courts.
“If anyone disagrees with the Speaker, then that person does not really want any bill to be passed. If the bill remains in a problematic state, then somebody can legally challenge it and knock it off completely, and then we will have no law passed,” he said.
Rev. Fordjour added that passing a poorly structured law would ultimately defeat its own purpose, as it may become impossible to implement effectively.
He urged lawmakers to ensure that all identified concerns are addressed so the final legislation can properly respond to issues its supporters believe are linked to LGBTQ activities in the country.
“We must be frank to the Majority Leader that Ghanaians are not looking for just any bill. No. We are looking for a bill that is fit for purpose and cures the mischief in the LGBT cancer in this country,” he stated.
His remarks come after Speaker Bagbin instructed Parliament to revisit the already passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following consultations with parliamentary leadership aimed at building broader consensus.
The Speaker expressed surprise that the bill had been fully passed on Friday, May 29, noting that he had expected only the consideration stage to be completed at that point.
He also emphasised that the legislation requires wider consultation due to its significance and the strong public interest surrounding it.
Bagbin further pointed out that several institutions, including the United Nations, had submitted input and recommendations prior to the bill’s passage, highlighting the need to consider diverse perspectives.
The bill was passed after Parliament adopted several amendments, including exemptions for legal and media professionals as well as healthcare workers acting within their professional duties.
Despite opposition from the Minority Caucus, the legislation was approved and now awaits the remaining constitutional procedures.
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