Anti-LGBTQ Bill: Minority Accuses Leadership of Deliberately Stalling Reintroduction as Tensions Rise in Parliament
The lead sponsor of the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (anti-LGBTQ bill), Rev. John Ntim Fordjour (NPP – Assin South), has launched a blistering attack on the House leadership, accusing them of “deliberately blocking” the re-laying of the bill in the Ninth Parliament despite a clear ruling from the Speaker that nothing prevents it.
Speaking on the floor Friday, an obviously frustrated Ntim Fordjour said the bill mysteriously disappeared from the Order Paper six weeks ago and has not returned, even after Speaker Alban Bagbin ruled five weeks ago that it could be laid immediately.
“Mr Speaker, since your ruling, there has been a very, very, very conspicuous silence… There seems to be a deliberate attempt to kill this bill,” he charged, warning that Parliament risks sending the message that the Ninth Parliament has abandoned an issue supported by over 93 % of Ghanaians.
He demanded that the bill be restored to the Order Paper next week for first reading, insisting all procedural requirements have long been met.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga strongly rejected the accusation that the NDC government or Majority is sabotaging the bill.
“President Mahama and the NDC Majority are fully committed to the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” Ayariga countered, reminding the House that the President has repeatedly pledged to sign it “expeditiously” once it reaches his desk.
Ayariga, however, took a swipe at Ntim Fordjour’s sudden urgency, pointing out that the Assin South MP was largely absent during the intense push to get former President Akufo-Addo to assent to the bill in the Eighth Parliament.
“I didn’t see you helping us put pressure on President Akufo-Addo… Now you have found your voice,” Ayariga said, adding that the Minority had rejected his earlier advice to treat the bill as already passed by the previous Parliament, which would have sent it straight to the President.
The bill, which prescribes jail terms for LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy, was passed overwhelmingly by the Eighth Parliament in February 2024 but was never signed by then-President Akufo-Addo, who referred it to the Supreme Court. With the change in government, sponsors are now pushing for it to be reintroduced and fast-tracked under the new administration.
President Mahama has publicly stated he will not hesitate to assent to the legislation if Parliament passes it again.
The sharp exchanges underscore growing frustration among conservative MPs who fear further delays could allow external pressure to derail the bill permanently.
