Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader in Parliament, has provided clarification regarding the status of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021, also known as the Anti-Gay Bill, stating that it is yet to be submitted to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his assent.
During an address to the Parliamentary Press Corps, Mr Afenyo-Markin explained that the Drafting Department of the House is currently in the process of compiling the Bill, and it has not yet been completed. He emphasized that the Bill has not been sent to the Presidency for signing, contrary to public perception.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further stated that the final draft of the Bill will be presented to the sponsors for review and subsequent authentication by the Clerk to Parliament, initiating the necessary procedural steps before reaching the President's desk.
The clarification comes amid public interest and debate surrounding the Bill, which was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Once assented to by the President, the Bill would criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, as well as their promotion, advocacy, and funding, with potential jail terms ranging from six months to five years for offenders.
Highlighting the internal parliamentary processes still underway, Mr. Afenyo-Markin noted that the authenticated Bill is yet to reach the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk of Parliament, indicating that the Drafting Department is still compiling it due to the numerous changes made during the drafting process.
The Majority Leader's statement aims to provide clarity and dispel misconceptions regarding the status of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, reaffirming that it is undergoing necessary procedural steps within Parliament before potential approval by the President.