Alban Bagbin Directs Fast-Track Passage of Anti-LGBTQ Bill: In a move that has been met with both praise and condemnation, the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has directed the Parliamentary Affairs Committee to expedite work on the anti-LGBTQ bill, with the aim of ensuring its passage into law by next week.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, has been the subject of intense debate since its introduction in March 2021. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian culture and values from what they perceive as the encroachment of Western ideals. Opponents, however, contend that the bill is discriminatory and violates fundamental human rights.
Bagbin, a member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed his support for the bill, stating that it is “in line with the Ghanaian way of life.” He has also defended the timeline for its passage, arguing that it is important to address the issue of LGBTQ+ rights in a timely manner.
The directive to fast-track the bill has been met with criticism from human rights groups and LGBTQ+ activists. They argue that the rapid pace of the process will not allow for adequate consideration of the bill’s implications and will likely result in the passage of a flawed and discriminatory law.
Despite the opposition, Bagbin has remained firm in his support for the bill and has urged the Parliamentary Affairs Committee to “work with urgency” to ensure its passage. It remains to be seen whether the committee will be able to meet the deadline set by the Speaker, but the fate of the anti-LGBTQ bill is likely to be decided in the coming days.
