The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin says the House will pass the anti-LGBTQ bill before adjourning for the Christmas break.

According to him, both the Majority and the Minority in Parliament are not opposed to the bill.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, December 7, the Speaker stated that democracy is in progress with the nation now placing a strong emphasis on openness, transparency and accountability.

He emphasised that when it comes to the consideration of bills, not many members in Parliament show interest in the deliberative process and urged the MPs not to insist on always having a quorum before the House proceeds with the consideration of a bill.

“We are looking at those that are technically inclined to do those things and make sure that the right thing is captured in the bill.

“Whatever the situation, I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill," he said, and added that "this bill will see the light of day before we rise,” Mr Bagbin.

His remark followed a near chaos on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, December 6 when the first Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu adjourned the proceedings without taking the bill which was slated for the day's business.

Legislators from both sides exchanged words as they exited the chamber.

Also read: Anti-LGBTQ bill: Near chaos in Parliament as sponsors flare up over inaction

Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram constituency and lead sponsor of the private member bill, Samuel Nartey George accused the Majority MPs of trying to frustrate the progress of the bill.

But speaking in Parliament on Thursday, December 7, Mr Osei-Owusu explained to the Speaker why he had to adjourn the House.

He said that the number of MPs present in the House was less than 50 members, underscoring the fact that the figure did not constitute a quorum for conducting business, let alone making a decision on the bill.

The First Deputy Speaker stated that it is inappropriate for the sponsors of the bill to presume that the failure of the bill to progress indicates an attempt by the Majority to deliberately thwart the process.

Mr. Osei-Owusu added that there is no need to rush the passage of the bill, emphasising that it should undergo the appropriate stages to endure and serve the country effectively in the long run.

“I think that it is most unfair to insist that because it was not taken yesterday, then it means that I am against it, decided against it and that members of the side are deliberately frustrating the process."

“Mr Speaker, whoever reported to you that I did not carry out the instruction was wrong,” he said.