Richard Anning, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of using the amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the LGBTQ+ bill, as a diversionary tactic to shift public attention away from the economic challenges facing Ghanaians.
His comments follow concerns raised by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin after Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, on Friday, with several amendments.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, June 1, Mr. Bagbin revealed that he had summoned the leadership of Parliament for discussions on the bill, stressing the need for broad consensus to ensure its successful implementation and public acceptance.
The Speaker expressed surprise at the passage of the bill, stating that he had expected Parliament to begin only the consideration stage before he left the House.
“In fact, when it was passed on Friday, it was even a surprise to me because I knew that they were going to start the consideration of the bill,” Mr. Bagbin stated.
He noted that several stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and proposals on the legislation, making it necessary for Parliament’s leadership to review the process and determine the next steps.
“This is such a critical deal that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and making sure that it benefits the people,” he added.
The revised legislation exempts lawyers who provide legal services to persons identified as LGBTQ from sanctions under the law. It also protects journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues in the course of their professional duties. Additionally, medical professionals offering surgical, psychological, or counselling services to LGBTQ persons are exempt from punishment under the bill.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nkosuo Nsem programme hosted by Kofi Sekyi, Mr. Anning alleged that the bill was passed without the Speaker’s prior knowledge and described the process as an attempt by the government to divert public attention from pressing economic concerns.
According to him, Ghanaians are currently grappling with rising fuel prices, increasing costs of goods and services, and what he described as the government’s failure to effectively implement policies aimed at improving living conditions.
Mr. Anning therefore called on the government to focus on addressing the economic difficulties confronting citizens rather than using the LGBTQ+ bill as a means of shifting attention from the country’s challenges.
He urged the government to prioritise policies that would improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians and bring relief to households struggling with the rising cost of living.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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