Parliament can pass anti-LGBTQ+ bill in 6 months – Ntim Fordjour

The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, has expressed optimism that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill could be passed into law within three to six months, provided all stakeholders show the same level of commitment as seen in the previous Parliament.

In a recent interview, Rev. Fordjour stated that most of the controversial aspects of the bill have already been addressed, making the legislative process more straightforward.

“Within three to six months, we should be able to pass this bill. We’ve passed even more complex bills under a certificate of urgency, so I don’t see why this one should take longer,” he said.

He explained that the bill is not starting from scratch, as it has already undergone extensive consultations and debate in the previous session of Parliament.

This, he believes, should speed up its progress through the legislative stages.

Rev. Fordjour added that if the bipartisan support shown in earlier discussions continues, the bill could be passed within the current parliamentary session.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has sparked widespread debate both nationally and internationally.

The bill seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships and activities seen as promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.

It is expected to be laid before Parliament this week for its first reading and subsequently referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for review.