Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill: “The bill will be passed.” – Alban Bagbin

Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament in Ghana, has emphasized the limits of President Akufo-Addo’s authority in relation to lawmaking.

According to Bagbin, the President cannot interfere with parliamentary proceedings until a bill has been passed and sent to him for approval. Bagbin’s comments came in response to the President’s recent statement to a New York Times reporter that there is no LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana yet because the bill is still before Parliament.

Bagbin reassured religious leaders that the anti-LGBTQ bill will be passed and emphasized that the President has no authority over the lawmaking process.

“Wait until we pass it and then we direct you to execute it. That is when you come in. That is why we are representatives of the people. So in terms of the law which is part of the policy, we finalise it and then the executive now has the authority to implement it and execute it. Let’s get this clear once this bill is before us [Parliament] he is not in charge, I am in charge. I hope the US Vice President is not yet gone, she will read from me,” he said.

The bill was introduced by eight members of Parliament in July 2021 and seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

The bill seeks to criminalise Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) activities in the country.

Source: MyJoyOnline