Minority Questions Government Over Delay in Anti-LGBTQ Bill Reintroduction
Ghana’s Minority in Parliament is demanding answers from the government regarding its failure to reintroduce the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill. The bill, which aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, was previously a focal point during the 8th Parliament but remains absent in the current 9th Parliament.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, June 25, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin called out the government for what he described as a calculated and deliberate delay in fulfilling its promise to the Ghanaian public.
“Our friends in the then-opposition used the Anti-LGBTQ bill as a major campaign tool. They made a strong declaration in support of its passage and gave Ghanaians strong assurance that they were committed to defending family values,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
“But today, when they have the power and the numbers, the same people have gone mute. This is not just disappointing—it is deliberate.”
A Campaign Promise Left Hanging
The Minority accused the ruling government, particularly members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), of leveraging the bill to gain political mileage during election campaigns, only to abandon it once in power. According to the caucus, the silence on the bill’s progress has allowed for the increased public expression of LGBTQ+ practices, which the bill initially aimed to curb.
Afenyo-Markin challenged the government’s priorities, especially as it prepares to fast-track other legislation deemed urgent.
“You’re coming here with an urgent bill. What happened to the Anti-LGBTQ bill that you promised Ghanaians?” he asked.
Background: The Anti-LGBTQ Bill
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2021. It proposed strict penalties for individuals engaged in same-sex relationships or promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. The bill sparked both national and international debate, with supporters arguing that it protects Ghanaian cultural and family values, while critics say it violates basic human rights and freedoms.
Although it gained significant traction and support in the 8th Parliament, the bill has yet to be reintroduced in the current legislative session, raising concerns among conservative factions and advocacy groups alike.
What’s Next?
As pressure mounts on the government to act on its earlier commitments, the fate of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill remains uncertain. The Minority insists that Ghanaians deserve clarity and accountability—particularly on issues that were heavily politicized during campaign seasons.
With public interest growing and political scrutiny increasing, all eyes will be on Parliament in the coming weeks to see whether the bill will return to the floor for deliberation—or remain shelved.
Source: https://citinewsroom.com
