By: Baba Mohammed Issahaq
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the LGBTQ+ Bill, will soon be reintroduced in Parliament.
The announcement follows debates among Members of Parliament since the opening of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament. Legislators from both sides have been divided over whether the Bill was passed by the Eighth Parliament or should be presented again before the current House.
In his ruling, the Speaker explained that the Eighth Parliament has ended, and all unfinished business from that session has therefore lapsed. He said the LGBTQ+ Bill must be reintroduced in line with parliamentary procedures.
Rt. Hon. Bagbin made the remarks on the floor of Parliament after the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, briefed him on matters that took place during his absence.
The LGBTQ+ Bill seeks to promote Ghanaian family values and regulate activities relating to LGBTQ+ practices in the country.