Anti-LGBTQ bill becomes law latest by Friday – Ato Forson
Anti-LGBTQ bill becomes law latest by Friday – Ato Forson
Minority Leader and MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam constituency, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has hinted that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will become law by Friday, February 16.
Dr Forson, in an interview with JoyNews, indicated that all suggested changes agreed upon by Parliament have been carefully examined and are presently being reviewed to make sure they have been accurately reflected in the law.
According to Dr Forson, the exercise must be completed by Wednesday and Thursday. The Speaker would finally pose the question for the Members of Parliament (MPs) to vote on after the third reading.
“By weekend Ghana should have a bill called Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” he told Evans Mensah.
The Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam lawmaker, however, refused to respond to the potential international criticism should parliament pass the bill.
“The people of Ghana want this bill passed,” he said.
Dr. Forson claimed that the Members of Parliament have shown an unexpected level of unity because none opposed the measure throughout the Speaker’s investigation.
The legislator also emphasised how long the discussion has been, pointing out that Parliament has been debating the bill’s specifics since 2021.
Read more on the LGBTQ bill:
- Anti-LGBTQ+ bill currently in consideration stage
- LGBTQ bill: Afenyo-Markin objects custodial sentences
“It has been here [Parliament] for three years and we’re still debating it. We’ve finished the consideration, what is left is the third reading and after that the speaker will put the question and those in favour will say ‘yes’ and those against will say ‘no’ but in the end, I’ve not seen any MP against this bill and the people of Ghana are strongly in favour of this bill.
“The Afrobarometer shows that 90% of Ghanaians are in favour,” he said.
The minority leader was equally optimistic that the bill would be passed into law.
As per his statement, Parliament would make sure that President Akufo-Addo signs the bill, even if he has the option to refuse to accept it.
“Even if the President fails to sign it, the bill would have to come back to Parliament, where MPs will use a two-thirds majority to have it signed.
“So as it stands now, I think the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will become law even if the President fails to [willingly] sign it,” he categorically stated.
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