Sam George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has assured that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill widely known as the anti-LGBTQI bill will be processed quickly by Parliament and sent to President John Mahama for his assent. Despite his recent appointment as a minister, he insists the legislative process has not stalled.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting organized by Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee which is currently reviewing the bill clause by clause after its referral by the Speaker George reaffirmed his commitment as the bill’s lead sponsor. He noted that no such bill is currently before President Mahama and acknowledged that concerns from religious groups about delays are understandable, given the bill’s importance.
He specifically mentioned the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, calling their concerns “very well placed” due to the sensitivity and significance of the legislation. The bill seeks to criminalize same-sex relations and related advocacy activities and has sparked intense debate, drawing strong backing from religious circles while facing criticism from civil society and human rights advocates.
George rejected claims that his new ministerial role under President Mahama had caused him or other sponsors to distance themselves from the bill. He dismissed such suggestions, stating that the legislative process must follow its course. He also pointed to public remarks by co-sponsor Ntim Fordjour, who has denied any abandonment of the bill, affirming that it remains actively before Parliament.
According to Sam George, lawmakers have already worked through the bill’s clauses thoroughly and expect only minimal changes at this stage. “The body of the law remains the same,” he said, adding that they will proceed expeditiously.
He also referenced appeals from religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference and the National Chief Imam, urging Parliament to take their positions into account. “I believe Parliament has a responsibility to grant the Chief Imam his wish and grant the Catholic Bishops their wish,” he stated.
While expressing confidence that President Mahama will give his assent once the bill is passed, George did not provide specific details of the assurances he referred to. The bill had been passed in a previous Parliament but lapsed after failing to receive the president’s assent at that time.
