The Minority in Parliament has described the presidency’s directive for the House to refrain from transmitting the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values (Anti-LGBTQ+) Bill for assent as a breach of the 1992 constitution.
On March 19, the office of the President officially requested Parliament to refrain from transmitting the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to President Akufo-Addo for his assent.
The decision, according to Nana Bediatuo Asante, Executive Secretary to the President, stems from the acknowledgment of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.
The letter emphasised that it would be improper for Parliament to proceed with transmitting the bill to President Akufo-Addo for any action until the matters before the court are addressed.
The statement has attracted much criticism from various stakeholders, including the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
On March 20, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin expressed regret concerning the conduct displayed by the presidency following parliament’s successful unanimous passage of the controversial bill.
According to him, the presidency’s refusal to accept the transmission of the bill not only deviates from established democratic practices but also “undermines the spirit of cooperative governance and mutual respect for the arms of government.”
Mr Bagbin stated that the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill is a principle that forms the cornerstone of Ghana’s political system.
According to the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Speaker’s concern was legitimate, and as such, had their full backing.
Source:Fiilafmonline/JoyNews
