Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K. Bagbin has assured that Parliament will pass a law that protects the Ghanaian culture and values as a people.
According to him, without these values, the country loses its identity and its very existence hence the need for the legislature to pass a law rich in common sense, human decency, morality and logic.
The Speaker gave the assurance in Parliament on Tuesday in his opening remarks as the House resumes the third meeting of the first sitting.
Speaking on the Promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values Bill 2021 that sorts to criminalize the activities of LGBTQ+ in Ghana, Hon. Alban Bagbin expressed confidence that Parliament will pass a law that ensures the rights and freedoms enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
He said, “I am persuaded that this Parliament will pass a law that is in sync with our constitutional provisions, particularly the provisions on fundamental human rights and freedoms, and the various laws that already exists in this country.”
“I am persuaded that we will pass a law that is rich in common sense, human decency, morality, fact, logic, and one that does not foment hatred in any shape or form.”
The legislature, he said, will create the appropriate environment for healthy public participation in the deliberation of the Bill.
According to him, public conversation on the Bill and the interest and different dimensions it has developed is healthy for Ghana’s maturing democracy.
He appealed for the various shades of opinions to be allowed to canvass their positions on the Bill.
“Let’s be accommodating of others’ opinions and perceptions because it is their reality. Parliament is a House of the people and for the people,” he said.
The challenge, he said, has been thrown to Parliament and pledged MPs will live up to expectations.
He expressed hope more of such conversation will be generated around critical and important matters that are brought before the House for consideration and that a lot more Ghanaians will participate in the deliberations of Parliament.
Speaker Bagbin expressed gratitude to the various religious bodies, civil society, academia and other groups and individuals who have rallied support for Parliament and particularly the eight MPs who have championed what has become known as the anti-gay Bill.
