The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has urged the Majority in Parliament to reintroduce the Anti-LGBTQ Bill passed by the 8th Parliament without any modifications.
His appeal follows hints from the Speaker that the Majority may propose adjustments to certain sections of the bill before presenting it again, a move the Damongo legislator strongly opposes.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Abu Jinapor stressed that the bill, officially titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was unanimously approved by the previous Parliament after extensive national consultations and should be restored in its original form.
“Let them bring the bill as it was, and as was passed by the 8th Parliament in the same form and shape. Don’t change it. Don’t water it down. What Ghanaians want is a law that promotes good sexual conduct in Ghana and prevents LGBTQ,” he asserted.
The legislation, though passed, was not assented to before the previous government’s term ended. The current NDC-led administration has indicated plans to reintroduce the bill in the 9th Parliament, reportedly with some amendments.
Abu Jinapor, who also serves as Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that altering the original provisions would undermine the legislative process and disregard the moral and cultural values held by Ghanaians.
His remarks have reignited national debate over the controversial bill, which continues to divide opinion among civil society groups, faith-based organisations, and international partners.
As Parliament prepares to deliberate on the legislation, attention is on how the Majority will respond to Abu Jinapor’s call to restore the bill in its original form.