Dr Amoako raises red flags over Speaker’s absence during LGBTQ+ bill passage

Dr Ekua Amoako has defended concerns raised by Parliament’s Speaker regarding the process used to pass the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

Speaking on Joy News’ AM Show, she questioned why parliamentary procedures are suddenly being dismissed in a matter many consider nationally significant.

“That’s why we have processes you go through if you pass a bill,” she said.

Amoako argued that procedural safeguards exist to protect the credibility of legislation and should not be overlooked simply because a bill enjoys public support.

She noted that questions have emerged over how the legislation was passed, particularly given reports that the Speaker was absent during portions of the process.

“If the bill was so good then, why have they had to amend it 30 times to pass it under almost a certificate of urgency when the Speaker of Parliament is not there?” she asked.

Amoako also questioned whether similar procedures were followed in relation to consultations and parliamentary scrutiny.

Rather than focusing solely on the substance of the bill, she suggested that the debate should also address whether the legislative process met the standards expected of Parliament.

For her, legitimacy depends not only on what Parliament passes but also on how it reaches those decisions.