President John Mahama has declared that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, is effectively dead after failing to receive presidential assent before the end of the previous parliament.

During a meeting with the Catholic Bishops, President Mahama explained that the bill’s failure provides an opportunity for a more inclusive conversation on the matter.

“I believe we should have a conversation about it again so that, if we decide to move the bill forward, it is done with a broader consensus,” he stated.

The President suggested that the bill should be reintroduced as a government-sponsored bill, rather than a private member’s bill, to ensure wider support and consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

“It probably should be a government bill, with the government backing it after thorough consultation with all the stakeholders, to determine the best way to move it forward,” he proposed.

Additionally, President Mahama emphasised the importance of teaching family values through education, rather than relying on legislation alone.

“If we teach our values in schools, we won’t need a bill to enforce our family values. Instead of passing the family values bill, we should focus on agreeing on a curriculum that instills these values in our children as they grow up so that legislation isn’t necessary,” he explained.

The President expressed his eagerness for further discussions on the issue, looking forward to a review conference aimed at reaching a consensus.

“I am looking forward to this review conference to come to a consensus on some of these issues,” he concluded.