The Office of the President has officially requested Parliament to hold off on forwarding the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, to President Akufo-Addo for his approval.
A letter, dated March 18, was addressed to Parliament and signed by the executive secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.
The letter informed Parliament that the Attorney-General had written to the President, acknowledging receipt of both applications related to the bill.
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The Attorney-General advised President Akufo-Addo not to proceed with any action regarding the bill until the outstanding issues raised in the ongoing legal proceedings have been determined by the Supreme Court.
Therefore, the letter requested that Parliament refrain from transmitting the bill to the President until the matters before the Supreme Court have been resolved.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which has generated significant attention and controversy, seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships in the country.
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It has faced criticism from various human rights groups and LGBTQ+ activists both within the country and internationally.
The bill was recently passed by Parliament, amidst protests and heated debates.
It subsequently underwent readings in Parliament, after which it was referred to the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for further deliberation and consideration of public input.
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It now remains to be seen how Parliament will respond to the request made by the Office of the President, and what implications this will have for the future of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in Ghana.
Read the full letter below;
