Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has reaffirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will be forwarded “expeditiously” to John Mahama for assent once parliamentary processes are completed.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement organised by Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, the principal sponsor of the bill clarified that the legislation is not currently before the President, despite concerns about delays.
“There is no bill before President Mahama today,” he stated, acknowledging concerns raised by religious bodies but describing them as justified given the sensitivity of the proposed law.
The bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQI legislation, seeks to criminalise same-sex relationships as well as advocacy activities related to LGBTQI rights. It remains one of the most divisive legislative proposals in Ghana in recent years, receiving strong support from religious organisations while drawing criticism from civil society groups and human rights advocates.
Mr. George dismissed suggestions that his recent appointment as a minister under the Mahama administration has affected the progress of the bill.
“I have heard people say that my colleagues and I have abandoned the bill because I’ve been appointed minister. That is not the case—the process is the process,” he said.
He also referenced comments by co-sponsor Ntim Fordjour, who has similarly rejected claims that the bill has been sidelined, insisting it remains active before Parliament.
According to Mr. George, lawmakers have already undertaken a detailed review of the bill’s provisions and expect only minor revisions moving forward.
“As for the clauses, we have gone through them, we’ve masticated them, and we will go through them expeditiously. The body of the law remains the same,” he noted.
He further indicated that Parliament would consider appeals from key religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the Office of the National Chief Imam, as deliberations continue.
Mr. George expressed confidence that President Mahama would assent to the bill if passed, although he did not provide details of any assurances to that effect.
