The Ghana’s legislative body has approved the legislation commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, officially titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.
Individuals found engaging in prohibited activities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while those who promote or sponsor such actions could be sentenced to three to five years in jail.
Prior to its passage, proponents of the bill initiated a motion for a supplementary review stage.
The passage follows an earlier stalemate in the house over the passage or otherwise of the Bill.
After three years of deliberation, Ghana’s Parliament has approved the highly contentious Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The bill which was passed on Wednesday February 28, will only take effect if President Akufo-Addo signs it into law.
The sponsors of the bill through the lead Samuel Nartey George moved a motion based on order 171 (4) of the standing orders of parliament to take the bill through another consideration stage after a similar move by now majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The Ningo-Prampram MP after the house granted leave proposed amendments to clauses 10 and 11.
The proposal was for the two clauses which deal with media freedoms and fundamental human rights be subjected to the constitution.
This means regardless of the dictates of the clauses, the provisions of the constitution will reign supreme should there be any contention. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin further proposed the same rendition for Clause 12 which deals with sponsors of activities of LGBTQI.
The proposal of the Effutu MP was however defeated.
The Member of Parliament for Asawase, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak consequently moved for the provisions of the standing orders barring the 3rd reading of a bill unless after 24 hours to be suspended. Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin cautioned the house against hastily passing the bill.
The back and forth compelled the speaker to suspend sitting for a while. When sitting resumed majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin once again pleaded with the speaker to suspend putting the question for the 3rd reading for him to propose further amendments to make the bill better so as to stand the test of time.
The speaker however did not grant the request of the Effutu MP. Alban Bagbin subsequently put the question for the 3rd reading which drew the loudest Yays from the minority to get the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021 passed.
With the passage, the Clerk of Parliament will forward the bill to the Presidency for assent. President Akufo-Addo within 7 days after receiving it from Parliament according to Article 106 (7) of the 1992 constitution.
President Akufo-Addo last year rejected 3 private members bills passed by Parliament.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
