Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the reintroduction and swift passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-Gay Bill.
Addressing Members of Parliament on Tuesday, October 28, Mr. Bagbin explained that although the bill was passed by the Eighth Parliament, it lapsed following the dissolution of that Parliament. He noted that the legislation must therefore be reintroduced in the current Ninth Parliament for fresh consideration and approval.
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“We have a new Parliament, the ninth Parliament, and therefore what was pending there came to an end and had to be reintroduced,” he said. “Despite the challenges I had with the former president, it was actually transmitted to him. They wrote to tell us that they would not assent to it.”
Mr. Bagbin described the former administration’s handling of the bill as unconstitutional, asserting that the Presidency failed to return the bill to Parliament with reasons for withholding assent. He indicated that while all key legislative processes have been completed, a few procedural steps remain before the bill can be officially laid before the House.
“Our rules specify what the Speaker must do, which I will fulfil, before it can be re-laid. Given that extensive work has already been done and both sides of the House now support it, we expect a smooth process,” he assured.
The Speaker also disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has expressed readiness to sign the bill into law once passed. He appealed to civil society groups to remain calm, assuring them that due process will be followed.
His assurance comes amid renewed controversy over the bill, after it briefly appeared on the Order Paper last week before being withdrawn, prompting debate between the Majority and Minority.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had earlier stated that the bill was already passed by the Eighth Parliament and only required presidential assent. However, Speaker Bagbin clarified that the bill expired with the previous Parliament and would be reintroduced for consideration.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that both sides had contributed to refining the bill, despite earlier political disagreements. “Considering the unyielding posture our friends opposite took, even when we proposed amendments for safe passage, they never supported it. If today they recognise the need for corrections, even if late, that’s still progress,” he remarked.
Speaker Bagbin emphasized that the final version of the bill will reflect the collective will of Ghanaians. “This is an initiative of our people — traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society. Ghanaians wanted this bill passed as a private member’s bill, and so be it,” he declared.
He gave a firm assurance that the reintroduction of the bill will happen “sooner than later.”