The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has confirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has been reintroduced to Parliament for consideration. This bill aims to prohibit lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activities, as well as to criminalize their promotion, advocacy, and funding. It was previously passed by the 8th Parliament but did not receive Presidential assent during President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citi News on Thursday, February 27, Ntim Fordjour, a key proponent of the bill, revealed that the legislation has been reintroduced with the support of a coalition of lawmakers, religious leaders, and traditional authorities. He called on former President John Dramani Mahama, who is seeking re-election, to assent to the bill if it is passed by the current Parliament.
“Myself, Sam George, Hon Bedzrah, Hon Alhassan Tampuli, Hon Abdul Kabiru, Hon Ekow Vincent—we have reintroduced it, and so it is to support the speedy passage of the bill so that he can assent to it. It has been admitted. It has been received, and so the processes are going to be set in motion,” Ntim Fordjour stated. The MP expressed confidence that the bill would face minimal delays in its passage, citing widespread support from key stakeholders.
“But it is the same bill, so it is not expected that it is going to delay at all. The chiefs, our imams, our clergymen, and the coalition who supported us are still supporting us strongly. The Speaker is in support, and therefore, it is expected that it will be passed quickly,” he added.
The bill’s previous failure to secure Presidential assent under President Akufo-Addo’s administration had been seen as a temporary reprieve for LGBT rights advocates. However, its reintroduction signals a renewed push by conservative lawmakers and religious groups to enforce stricter laws against LGBT activities.
Source: GraphicOnline
