Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
The highly controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ bill has finally been passed by Parliament after nearly three years of debate. After the third reading of the bill, which was first introduced in the House many years ago, was finished on Wednesday, February 28, it was unanimously approved.
During the meeting, Alban Bagbin, the Speaker, rejected proposed changes to the bill.
It is now planned to forward the bill to President Akufo-Addo for his approval.
On February 21, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the majority leader, withdrew a number of suggested changes to the bill. But Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed his position on the bill during Wednesday’s parliamentary session, objecting to a few of its provisions. He opposed policies that would make it harder for people or organizations to help the weaker members of society.
“You cannot let’s not get too emotional about this; let’s be consistent,” Afenyo-Markin said, underscoring the significance of bringing the bill into compliance with constitutional requirements. He went on to emphasize how important it is to protect human rights within the law.
The bill’s passage wasn’t without controversy. Unexpected drama occurred during the session, according to Kwabena Ahwiren, Parliamentary Correspondent for Otec FM. The House usually has to wait a day following the Consideration Stage before proceeding to the Third Reading. But after yet another round of changes put forth by Sam George and others, Asawase MP Muntaka Mubarak moved a motion to revoke this rule.
The motion to suspend the rules was approved in spite of Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s opposition, enabling the House to move on to the Third Reading. Afenyo-Markin asked the Speaker to suggest additional changes to the bill, but the Speaker turned him down.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
