Parliament Passes Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill After 3 Years of Deliberation

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After nearly three years of deliberation, Parliament has officially passed the highly debated Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, culminating in its unanimous approval on Wednesday, February 28, following the successful completion of the third reading.

During the parliamentary session, the proposed amendments to the bill were met with rejection by Speaker Alban Bagbin, solidifying the bill's journey towards enactment. The pivotal legislative decision now paves the way for the bill to be transmitted to President Akufo-Addo for his ultimate assent.

Related To This: Minority Caucus Issues Ultimatum on Approval of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, initially withdrew various suggested amendments to the bill on February 21. However, during the final parliamentary session, Afenyo-Markin reiterated his position on certain provisions within the bill, specifically voicing his concerns against clauses that may inhibit individuals or groups from extending support to vulnerable members of society.


Highlighting the necessity of aligning the bill with constitutional principles, Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of consistency and advocated for upholding human rights within the legislation amidst the prevailing emotional discourse surrounding the bill.

In contrast, National Democratic Congress MP for Akatsi South constituency, Bernard Ahiafor, opposed the amendments introduced by the Majority Leader, asserting that such modifications could impede the funding, promotion, and facilitation of LGBTQ activities prohibited by the bill.

Related To This: Alexander Afenyo-Markin Halts Passage of Anti-LGBTQ Bill

On the other hand, New Patriotic Party MP for Adansi-Asokwa constituency, Kobina Tahir (K.T) Hammond, underscored Parliament's obligation to act in accordance with constitutional precepts while acknowledging the efforts made by the Majority Leader to address concerns through proposed amendments.

Despite these contrasting viewpoints, the Speaker of Parliament proposed deferring further deliberations on the bill in accordance with Parliament's procedural guidelines, specifically noting Order 172(4), which mandates a postponement between the Second and Third Reading motions.

The passage of the bill was not devoid of drama, characterized by unexpected twists during the session. Following proposed amendments and a subsequent motion to suspend the procedural rule, the House eventually proceeded to the Third Reading, circumventing the usual waiting period between readings. Speaker Alban Bagbin declined Afenyo-Markin's request for additional amendments, ultimately signifying a significant milestone in the legislative process.

Related To This: Politicizing Anti-LGBTQ Bill Will Slow Down The Process - Majority To Minority

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