The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is expected to be passed by Friday, February 16.
This bill seeks to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Dr. Forson explained on JoyNews’ PM Express that the bill has undergone thorough consideration and is currently being reviewed to ensure that all proposed amendments approved by Parliament have been correctly incorporated.
He further stated that this review process is expected to be completed by Wednesday, with the Speaker scheduled to put the question for Members of Parliament (MPs) to cast their votes after the third reading on Thursday.
“By weekend Ghana should have a bill called Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” he said on Tuesday.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the people of Ghana support the passage of the bill and that there has been surprising unanimity among Members of Parliament, with no one opposing the bill during the Speaker’s inquiry.
He also highlighted the longstanding nature of the debate, indicating that the bill’s details have been before Parliament since 2021. Despite the extended deliberations, Dr. Forson remains confident in the overwhelming support for the bill.
“It has been here 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.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed confidence that the bill would become law. He noted that while President Akufo-Addo has the discretion not to approve the bill, Parliament will ensure that he signs it into law.
“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 added.