Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has thrown his support behind Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin’s decision to seek a reconsideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, arguing that the focus should be on passing legislation that is legally sound and enforceable.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom, Rev. Fordjour maintained that concerns raised by the Speaker regarding the bill should be taken seriously to avoid potential legal challenges that could undermine the legislation after its passage.
According to him, Parliament must ensure that the bill is fit for purpose and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny, rather than rushing through a process that could result in the law being struck down by the courts.
He warned that passing a flawed law could ultimately defeat the objectives of the legislation, stressing that lawmakers have a responsibility to address identified weaknesses before the bill completes the constitutional process.
Rev. Fordjour further urged parliamentary leadership to engage constructively on the concerns raised and work towards a stronger legal framework that reflects the intentions of the bill’s proponents.
His remarks come after Speaker Alban Bagbin called for further consultations and consensus-building on the legislation, citing concerns about the process leading to its passage and the need to consider recommendations submitted by various stakeholders, including international organisations.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament after lawmakers approved a number of amendments, despite objections from the Minority Caucus. The bill now awaits the remaining constitutional procedures before it can become law.
