The Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has issued a stern warning that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill may face a standstill if it becomes a subject of political manoeuvring.
This follows accusations from the sponsors of the anti-gay bill who claimed on Wednesday that the Majority caucus was intentionally hindering the progress of the bill through Parliament.
In response to these allegations, Anyimadu-Antwi, speaking to journalists, emphasized that he lacks the authority to unilaterally prosecute the bill in the House.
He further noted that a significant amount, exceeding GH¢900,000, was expended during the 9-day public hearing conducted by the committee to gather input from various stakeholders, underscoring the urgency surrounding the bill.
“The press conference that was organized [by the Minority] was in bad faith, and they should desist from that. All members of Parliament agreed that we must prosecute this bill. Therefore, I must warn that any attempts by anybody who would want to clothe this bill with political colours will suffer non-passage of the bill,” cautioned Anyimadu-Antwi.
He clarified that unless there is a collective agreement among parliamentary leadership to consider the bill, he, as the chairman, cannot unilaterally move forward with its prosecution.
The Anti-LGBT bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, has faced controversy and delays, with proponents expressing frustration over the legislative process.
Anyimadu-Antwi rejected claims that the majority is intentionally blocking the passage of the bill, emphasizing the need for fair and unbiased consideration.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen existing laws on LGBTQ+ and related activities, prohibiting propaganda, advocacy, or promotion of such activities.
Additionally, it seeks to provide protection and support for children and individuals who are victims or accused of LGBTQ+ and related activities.
The bill's content has sparked heated debates, reflecting the broader societal discourse on LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.