Parliament has halted the planned reintroduction of the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-gay bill, just a day after it appeared on the parliamentary order paper.
The bill, now backed by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Samuel Nartey George, and eight other MPs, was advertised on the order paper yesterday but was never formally laid before the House.
Speaking during a leadership media briefing, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said both he and the Speaker were taken aback by the appearance of the bill on the order paper.
He explained that the bill, which had been passed last year, does not require reintroduction since President Akufo-Addo had previously refused to give it assent.
Mr. Ayariga added that the Clerk of Parliament confirmed the advertisement was made in error.
Deputy Minority Chief Whip Habib Iddrissu raised concerns on the parliamentary floor over the sudden disappearance of the bill from the order paper.
Ayariga reiterated his earlier explanation, a position supported by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who was presiding over the sitting.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
