The controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, named, Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, is only one step away from passage after Parliament concluded the consideration stage.

This stage entails the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill and MPs are allowed to propose amendments.

Among others, parliament endorsed a minimum custodial sentence of three years and a maximum of five years for individuals found to be willfully promoting, sponsoring, or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.

Additionally, those caught engaging in such activities will face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.

The MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, clarified the rationale behind the punitive measures emphasising that the public's concern lies with the advocacy and promotion of such activities rather than individuals' private behaviour.

At the moment, the only stage left is for the bill, introduced in 2021, to be passed into law. 

However, sponsors of the bill believe think there's a lot of work to be done before the bill can be passed.

Co-sponsor of the bill Sam George said the sponsors will work with the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee until the bill is finally passed.

“We are allowing enough time for the drafters, the chairman, the committee and the sponsors to sit and synchronise what we have done. 

"And if there is the need for a second consideration, we'll do it before we do the third reading,” he said on the floor of parliament.

Also addressing the press later, Sam George acknowledged that although they have made some strides, they would like to go through the bill to filter out any excesses.

“So we're going to wait for the drafters to finish the winnowing. It will come to the committee chair and then the committee will discuss it and then the sponsors will also engage with them.

"But at least we've made some steps and some progress and we're excited about it. As and when we are done with the processes, we will continue with the processes on the floor of the house,” the Ningo Prampram MP said.