Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill popularly known as Anti-LGBTQI Bill after it was read for the third time.

This was after the Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s attempt to stop a third reading was brushed aside by the Speaker Alban Bagbin.

The Effutu MP rose and raised concerns about further changes made to the bill by sponsors, adding that there could bemore amendments to the bill.

He argued that if there was a third reading after the second consideration was brought to a close, the sponsors wouldn’t have the opportunity to make any further changes as they did.

However, his argument was objected by the Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The banter caused the Speaker to suspend proceedings for about five minutes.

Soon after the house resumed, the Majority Leader further appealed to the Speaker Alban Bagbin to halt the third reading trying to justify his concerns

But his attempt again failed to catch the Speaker’s conscience, leading to the third reading and passing.

The responsibility now lies on the Speaker to communicate the development to President Akufo-Addo to assent his signature for the bill to become a law.

Meanwhile, sponsors of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill have called on President Akufo-Addo not to hesitate in assenting to the bill when it gets to his table.

At a press conference, the lead sponsor and Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Sam George noted it would be a disservice to the nation if the president fail to ensure the bill becomes law.

– Metro TV Newsroom