Parliament to debate anti-LGBTQ+ bill this week

• Posted on July 3, 2023July 3, 2023
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

In a highly anticipated move, Parliament is set to debate the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, this week.

The bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and any promotion or advocacy for such rights.

Last Friday, the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, explained that the House was unable to proceed with the bill’s second reading as instructed by Speaker Alban Bagbin. This was due to the unavailability of the Chairman and Ranking Member on the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

The bill intends to not only ban LGBTQ+ and related activities but also prohibit the promotion, propaganda, and advocacy for these rights. Additionally, it seeks to provide support and protection for individuals, particularly children, who are victims or accused of engaging in LGBTQ+ activities.

Previously scheduled for deliberation on June 27, the Parliament floor was deserted as many MPs were attending the by-election in Assin North, leaving insufficient representation for the discussion on the bill.

“We had it last week, but we couldn’t make any progress because the chairman and the ranking member had traveled 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,” stated Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu.

The proposed bill has sparked considerable debate and controversy both nationally and internationally. Supporters argue that it aligns with traditional Ghanaian cultural and religious beliefs, while opponents argue that it infringes upon individual human rights and promotes discrimination. As Parliament prepares to debate the bill further, the outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights and Ghanaian society as a whole.

By Vincent Kubi