Bosome Freho Member of Parliament, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has expressed serious reservations about the manner in which the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 (Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill) was passed, claiming that none of the bill’s Minority sponsors were present during the final stages of the legislative process.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, June 1, the lawmaker disclosed that a lead sponsor, Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, strongly objected to amendments made to Clause 9 and subsequently left the chamber before the House concluded consideration of the bill.
The amendments to Clause 9 introduced exemptions for certain professionals and institutions, including lawyers providing legal services to LGBTQ+ persons, journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters, as well as medical practitioners, counsellors, and psychologists offering professional services.
According to Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the original sponsors of the bill never intended to create such exemptions.
“The sponsors of the bill never exempted anyone. The sponsors of the bill did not at any point discuss the introduction of Clause 9. You must have a member or a sponsor of the bill to move the final motion. None of them was there,” he said.
He argued that the absence of the sponsors during the final stages raises serious questions about the integrity of the process that led to the bill’s passage.
The bill is sponsored by 10 Members of Parliament from both sides of the House, including Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Sam George, and others. However, the final motion for its passage was moved by South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who is not among the original sponsors.
Mr Asafo-Adjei described this development as unfair and problematic.
His comments come as Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has summoned the leadership of the House for discussions following the controversial passage of the bill. The Speaker has emphasised the need for consensus on the legislation.
Despite strong opposition from the Minority, Parliament passed the amended version of the bill last week. The revised bill now includes exemptions for professionals offering services to LGBTQ+ persons in the course of their official duties.
The legislation now awaits further constitutional processes, including possible presidential assent.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
