Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has directed the Clerk of Parliament to send the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, to President Akufo-Addo for his assent.
Addressing a media briefing ahead of Parliament’s November 7 session, Bagbin confirmed, “I have earlier instructed the Clerk of Parliament to transmit the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill to the President for assent.”
Bagbin voiced strong criticism of both President Akufo-Addo and the Judiciary, accusing them of infringing upon the constitutional process by obstructing the bill’s progression after it was duly passed by Parliament in February.
In March, the Office of the President had officially requested that Parliament refrain from submitting the bill, citing two pending interlocutory injunctions before the Supreme Court. A letter from the President’s office, signed by Secretary Nana Asante Bediatuo, emphasized that Parliament should not proceed until the legal cases are addressed, and the Attorney-General advised the President to avoid taking any action on the bill until these issues are resolved.
Speaking passionately about the alleged interference, Bagbin stated that both the President and Judiciary “have sinned against the constitution” by stalling the bill and should “seek the opportunity to confess and repent to be forgiven.”
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill proposes penalties for individuals who engage in or promote LGBTQ+ activities, but its passage has been hampered by legal challenges from various activists. Among the lawsuits filed are those by journalist Richard Dela Sky, gender activist Dr. Amanda Odoi, and law lecturer Prince Obiri-Korang, each contesting the bill’s impact on personal freedoms and rights.
On September 13, 2024, the Judicial Service of Ghana clarified that both cases remain delayed due to incomplete procedural requirements from the defendants, including Parliament and the Attorney-General.
In Sky’s case, initiated in March, both entities had not filed their Statements of Case by July 31, while in Odoi’s case, dating back to June 2023, the Attorney-General has yet to file essential documents.
The bill has ignited strong public support, and on October 8, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, demanding the Judiciary expedite the legal proceedings and urging immediate presidential assent.
