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President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, is effectively dead after failing to secure presidential assent before the dissolution of the previous parliament.
During a meeting with the Catholic Bishops, President Mahama highlighted the need for a more inclusive discussion on the matter, considering the bill’s lapse.
“I believe we should have a conversation about it again so that, if we decide to move the bill forward, it is done with a broader consensus,” he stated.
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The President proposed that the bill be reintroduced as a government-sponsored initiative rather than as a private member’s bill.
This approach, he argued, would ensure greater backing and thorough consultation with all relevant stakeholders. “It probably should be a government bill, with the government backing it after thorough consultation with all the stakeholders to determine the best way to move it forward,” he explained.
President Mahama also stressed the importance of instilling family values through education rather than solely relying on legislation.
“If we teach our values in schools, we won’t need a bill to enforce our family values. Instead of passing the family values bill, we should focus on agreeing on a curriculum that instills these values in our children as they grow up so that legislation isn’t necessary,” he said.
Looking ahead, the President expressed his eagerness to foster further dialogue on the issue. He welcomed the opportunity for a review conference aimed at building consensus. “I am looking forward to this review conference to come to a consensus on some of these issues,” he concluded.
