Mahama Ayariga is the Majority Leader
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has reiterated the government’s commitment to the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, otherwise referred to as the Anti-Gay Bill.
According to a report by myjoyonline.com, he made the remarks while speaking in a recent interview on Channel One TV.
He stated that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) stance on the Anti-Gay Bill remains unchanged.
According to him any legislative proposals not finalised under a previous administration are typically considered lapsed with the end of that president's tenure.
Addressing concerns over the status of the bill, he stated, “No, there has been no change in our stance. The question now is whether we can simply sign and pass it into law. Would it be recognised as proper legislation, or might the process be challenged on the grounds that its validity expired with the previous Parliament?”
Former President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that the bill be reintroduced as a government-sponsored bill rather than a Private Member’s Bill to allow for broader stakeholder consultations.
The Anti-Gay Bill, passed by Parliament in February 2024, criminalises LGBTQ acts and imposes penalties on those who engage in or promote such activities.
However, following its passage, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a letter to the Clerk of Parliament, advised against transmitting the bill for presidential assent until ongoing legal challenges were resolved at the time.
The Supreme Court dismissed these legal challenges in December 2024, clearing the way for further legislative action on the controversial bill.
JKB/AE
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