Closure to the amendment of LGBTQ+ bill to be done by February 9 — Kyei Mensah Bonsu

 

Closure to the amendment of LGBTQ+ bill to be done by February 9 — Kyei Mensah Bonsu

  

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the majority leader in parliament, is optimistic that the anti-gay bill, also known as the bill promoting proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values, will be amended clause by clause by the end of Friday, February 9, 2024.

Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader

Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader

The House will take up the anti-gay bill again today after recessing on Tuesday, February 6.

He stated, "The Business Committee on February 5 programmed to have the first consideration of the bill beginning February 7, and we do anticipate that we will be able to get it to a closure by Friday, February 9, 2024."

Samuel Nartey George, a member of parliament and the primary proponent of the anti-LGBTQI bill, has said that changes to the measure are presently being made by a number of stakeholders and that the contentious legislation is expected to be adopted by March of this year.

LGBTQ rainbow flag

LGBTQ rainbow flag

The proposed legislation seeks to outlaw LGBTQ+ activity and related activities, make it illegal to advocate for or promote LGBTQ+ causes, and set up safeguards and support mechanisms for minors and those who are impacted by, or accused of participating in, LGBTQ+ activity.

The measure intends to impose prison sentences of five to ten years on same-sex relationships, including oral and anal interactions.

Ghanaian are deeply divided over the contentious LGBT bill; supporters see it as a safeguard for traditional values, while opponents claim it violates people's rights.

The bill's parliamentary processes continue to garner a lot of interest and conversation.