MP Questions 31 Amendments to Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, Says Original Intent Weakened

Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has questioned the 31 amendments introduced into the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. On Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Rev. Fordjour expressed concern over provisions that exempt lawyers, journalists, media organisations, healthcare professionals, counsellors, and other professionals from prosecution when acting within the scope of their duties.

According to Rev. Fordjour, the exemptions were unnecessary because the original bill did not criminalise legitimate professional services. "The whole thing is being misconstrued. We never said no one should counsel. We never said no one should provide care. We said people should not use those platforms to promote or campaign for LGBTQ activities," he stated.

Rev. Fordjour, who was among the principal promoters of the original bill passed by Parliament in 2024, argued that professionals such as lawyers and doctors did not require special protection because their duties do not amount to advocacy. "A lawyer representing a person in court is not promoting what that person is accused of. A doctor treating a patient is not promoting anything. A pastor offering care is not promoting anything," he said.

He contended that broad exemptions could create loopholes that allow individuals to engage in activities the legislation seeks to prohibit while claiming professional protection. According to him, the focus of the legislation has always been on preventing advocacy, promotion, and organised campaigns in support of LGBTQ practices.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains one of the most contentious pieces of legislation considered by Parliament in recent years, drawing support from religious groups and cultural organisations while attracting criticism from human rights advocates and some international partners. The latest disagreement over amendments is expected to remain a major point of contention as the bill progresses through the next stages of the legislative process.

As a Member of Parliament for Assin South since 2020, Rev. Fordjour has been a vocal advocate for traditional family values in Ghana. He has received criticism from some quarters for his stance on LGBTQ+ rights, but he has maintained that his views are based on his religious beliefs and traditional values.

The 31 amendments to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill were introduced by MPs from various political parties and were approved by Parliament last week. The bill now moves to the next stage of the legislative process, where it is expected to face further debate and scrutiny.

The controversy surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has sparked heated debate in Ghana, with some advocating for the protection of LGBTQ+ rights and others pushing for the preservation of traditional values. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to continue to attract widespread attention and debate.

Ghanaian society has been deeply divided on the issue of LGBTQ+ rights, with some arguing that they are a threat to traditional values and others seeing them as a fundamental human right. The controversy surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for further dialogue and understanding.