The MP for Ningo-Prampram, Honorable Samuel Nartey George, has expressed disappointment in Parliament’s apparent hesitation to pass the Proper Ghanaian Family Values and Sexual Rights Bill 2021, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
During his remarks in Parliament, he raised serious concerns about the lack of enthusiasm from the majority side in pushing the bill forward.
He passionately appealed for the bill to be swiftly approved.
“Mr Speaker, as one of the sponsors for the promotion of the Proper Ghanaian Family Values and Sexual Rights Bill 2021, the Right Honorable Speaker indicated, this morning, that that bill will be taken today. We want to find out why the bill has not been taken. And why it is not being taken and we are moving for the closure? Is the other side opposed to us continuing and doing the consideration?”
Samuel Nartey George
This comes after a motion for the adjournment of parliament was put forth by Honorable Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the Deputy Majority Leader. She clarified that the directive was for the House to conclude after the question session. The Majority maintained that this agreement had been discussed with the Minority. Honorable Seyram emphasized that the entire day tomorrow would be open for addressing other legislative matters.
“Mr. Speaker, the day has been very productive. We have covered so much for today. That is about all for the day”, she moved.
Honorable Samuel Nartey George, the vociferous advocate for the passing of the bill, further underscored his worry on the delay.
“It has been on the order paper for three weeks. If you are not opposed to it, we are here. The speaker himself indicated, when he was handing over to his first Deputy Speaker, that we should take the bill, he is going to meet some guest and return to the House to complete some amendments on it.
“This is something that will take us one hour [has] for three weeks. What is the problem of this August house with dealing with this bill which matters to the Ghanaian people. I want to know if there is a problem with us taking this bill once and for all. If there is no problem, lets take.”
Samuel Nartey George
According to the lawmaker, Sam George, the House has, on numerous occasions, proceeded with other bills with only four individuals present in the chamber. Therefore, he argued that the absence of most members from the parliament floor was not a significant hindrance.
However, the first Deputy Speaker, Honorable Joseph Osei Owusu, interrupted Honorable Sam George, reminding him to stay focused on his main concern.
“You have raised an issue and you are arguing outside of it”, he cautioned.
Adjournment Furthers Parliament’s Hesitation
Nonetheless, despite the alleged agreement from the majority side that the House should conclude after the question session, the Minority claimed to be unaware of any such understanding. However, the Minority side was willing to defer to the Speaker’s judgment on the matter.
As the committee chair, under whose name the motion was scheduled, was absent, the Speaker decided to adjourn the meeting to December 7, 2023. Multiple attempts by other members of the minority caucus to move the committee’s amendments motion proved unsuccessful.
The Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 aims to uphold human rights while reinforcing cultural values, striking a delicate balance between tradition and individual rights. The legislation seeks to establish a legal framework that respects Ghanaian family values within the broader context of human rights principles.
Notwithstanding, the Proper Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 which is currently at its consideration stage has suffered a significant delay over the last three weeks.
The Bill which was at the center of public discourse has been overshadowed by the finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta’s 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy Debate and the Trade Minister, K.T. Hammond’s Legislative Instrument seeking to restrict importations of some 22 items.
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