By Daniel Okine
Accra, Ghana — The controversy surrounding the fate of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, has been resolved by a decisive ruling from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
Speaker Bagbin has directed that the controversial bill—which seeks to impose stringent penalties on LGBTQ+ activities and promotion, must be formally reintroduced in the current (Ninth) Parliament.
This ruling brings a much-needed end to a week of intense debate and confusion among lawmakers. The debate was sparked by the Majority Leader’s argument that the bill, having already been passed by the previous Parliament, did not require a fresh start in the current session.
However, the Speaker’s directive makes it clear that the legislative process for the bill must begin anew, following the expiration of the Eighth Parliament. This mandates that the bill will now go through all necessary parliamentary stages, including committee discussions and debate, before a final vote.
The Speaker’s decision establishes a crucial precedent on the procedure for dealing with unfinished legislation across different parliamentary terms. For supporters of the bill, the ruling means a renewed push to see the legislation enacted, while opponents will likely use the reintroduction as an opportunity to reignite their challenge to its constitutionality and human rights implications.
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