Minority Claims Anti-LGBTQ Bill Weakened by Amendments

The Minority in Parliament accuses the government of weakening the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. They claim extensive amendments have reduced its intended impact. This follows the bill's recent passage in Parliament.

Lawmakers from the Minority group held a press conference to voice their concerns. They argue that the current version of the bill is materially different from the one initially passed in 2024. These changes include deletions, insertions, and entirely redrafted sections. The Minority believes these amendments have diluted the bill's strength.

This development occurs amidst ongoing debates about social values and legislation in Ghana. The original bill, passed by Parliament in 2024, was intended to address specific societal norms. The government, however, pushed for revisions before presidential assent. This move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, who see it as a departure from earlier commitments.

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, a co-sponsor of the bill, described the revised legislation as "a pale shadow" of the original. He stated that the government abandoned its promise to pass the bill without modifications. He pointed out that President John Dramani Mahama campaigned on a promise to sign the bill. However, he insisted on amendments before giving approval, according to Rev. Ntim Fordjour. The Assin South MP highlighted that the bill presented to President Mahama was not in its original form. He claimed 31 insertions were made before the President would assent to it.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour questioned if these changes reflect the campaign promises made to Ghanaians. "The promise was clear: vote for me, and I will sign the bill," he said. He added that the NDC's actions represent "a scam, a breach of trust, deception and hypocrisy." The Minority also argues that the legislation lacks the robust enforcement mechanisms initially envisioned. They state that the amended bill cannot be considered the same as the one Parliament approved in 2024.

"They have changed it extensively, and what we have today is materially different from what was passed in 2024," Rev. Ntim Fordjour explained. He noted that 22 deletions and 31 insertions were made. "You cannot subject a bill to 22 deletions and 31 insertions and still claim it is the same bill," he asserted. "You have overhauled it. It is only the title that remains the same."

The Minority is demanding an explanation from the government regarding this shift in position. They question what informed the NDC's change of mind. They also ask why the original bill, if ready for former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's assent, was not presented to President Mahama in its original form. Despite their criticisms, the Minority reaffirmed their support for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. They also stand by Parliament's authority to legislate on such matters. Their primary concern is the weakening of the bill's original objectives and its deterrent effect.

The controversy surrounding the bill's amendments could have broader implications for legislative processes in Ghana. It raises questions about transparency and accountability in law-making. The public may demand greater clarity on the motivations behind these significant alterations. Future legislative efforts might face increased scrutiny from both parliamentary opposition and the public.