Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has defended Parliament’s approval process of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, saying lawmakers followed all required procedures before passing it.
He also rejected claims that Parliament violated its Standing Orders during the legislative process.
He explained that Parliament fully complied with its rules. According to him, MPs obtained leave from the House before the bill went through its third reading and final approval.
“We complied with the Standing Orders. Leave was sought from the House and it was granted before the bill was read the third time and passed,” he explained.
Mr. Dafeamekpor added that Parliament thoroughly examined the bill at the committee stage. During that process, stakeholders submitted memoranda and proposals that helped shape several amendments.
He noted that lawmakers also addressed earlier constitutional concerns, especially those involving professionals such as lawyers, medical practitioners, journalists, researchers, and public health workers.
He said the revised version of the bill now includes clearer exemptions to ensure that people performing lawful professional duties are not unfairly penalised.
“We sought to strengthen the bill by spelling out protections and exemptions instead of relying solely on broad constitutional references,” he said.
According to him, Parliament’s duty is to improve proposed laws through debate, consultation, and amendment.
He stressed that every bill starts as a proposal that must be refined through the legislative process.
“When a bill is brought before Parliament, it is a proposal. It is Parliament’s responsibility to examine it and make it better where necessary,” he stated.
Mr. Dafeamekpor dismissed suggestions that the amendments weakened the purpose of the legislation.
He insisted that the changes were necessary to make the bill legally sound and resistant to constitutional challenges while keeping its main objectives intact.
He also responded to calls for the bill to be reconsidered. He argued that Parliament had already completed all required stages of the law-making process.
“The bill has been read the third time and passed. To reverse that decision would require a formal motion and a decision of the House,” he explained.
He further indicated that the Majority Caucus remains firmly behind the legislation and is unlikely to support any attempt to reopen debate on it.
Mr. Dafeamekpor warned that continued disputes over procedure could create the impression that Parliament is intentionally delaying a law it has already committed to passing.
“This is a bill that Parliament has demonstrated commitment to throughout the process, and we believe every procedure was followed to the letter,” he added.
