Anti-LGBTQ Bill: NDC Makes ‘U-Turn’– Minority

Alexander Afenyo-Markin

 

The Minority in Parliament has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of acting in bad faith over the handling of the controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill, alleging that the Majority has deliberately slowed the process after previously projecting support for the legislation.

The allegation was made by Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during a media briefing ahead of the first meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament yesterday.

According to him, despite broad bipartisan and public backing for the bill, as well as the NDC’s posture on the matter during the 2024 election campaign, the Majority failed to bring the legislation for consideration in 2025.

“The Majority now say they are consulting and ensuring the bill is properly handled, but to us, this raises serious questions,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.

“They were clearly comfortable pushing the bill earlier, but now that they are in government and facing pressure from other stakeholders within the governance ecosystem, they appear to be going slow,” he intimated.

The Minority Leader suggested that the bill may have been used as a political tool during the election season, only for the commitment to wane after power changed hands.

“We see some bad faith in this. We believe the bill was exploited to win elections, and now that it matters most, there is hesitation,” he stated.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin warned that the continued delay could turn the legislation into a major flashpoint in Parliament, especially given the strong public interest it has generated across the country.

He called on the Majority to be forthright with Ghanaians and to allow Parliament to conclude its work on the bill transparently, rather than keeping it in legislative limbo.

The Anti-LGBTQ Bill, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has attracted intense national and international attention, with proponents arguing it reflects Ghanaian cultural and moral values, while critics warn of its human rights implications.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed that regardless of differing views, Parliament owes the public clarity and consistency.

“If there is a change in position, Ghanaians deserve to know. What we cannot accept is silence or delay disguised as consultation,” he said.

He added that the Minority will continue to press the issue on the floor of the House as part of its constitutional duty to hold the government accountable.

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, however, maintained that his side is committed to it and the bill requires careful handling to ensure due process and broad consultation, but did not indicate when it will be brought back for final consideration.

 

By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House

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