The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has directed that the controversial Anti-LGBT Bill be scheduled for a second reading next week.

Although a specific day was not given, the motion of the second reading of the bill is expected to happen on Tuesday or Thursday.

Already, the bill has suffered two legal challenges.

https://myjoyonline.com/speaker-attorney-general-dragged-to-court-over-anti-lgbtq-bill-and-its-fiscal-impact/

Parliament's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee has recommended the approval of the bill albeit with some variations.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, 1st Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu announced the directive of Speaker Bagbin and said it must be complied with without fail.

“The Proper Human Sexuality and the Ghanaian Family Value Bill be programmed for Tuesday or Thursday. Whatever it is, it must be on the order paper next week.

“The motion of the second reading must be programmed either Tuesday or Thursday,” he said.

The controversial Anti-LGBT Bill is a private member bill that was presented to Speaker Alban Bagbin on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.

The proponents want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be criminalised in the country.

However, some groups are against the passing of the bill saying it will infringe on some human rights.

Already, the Speaker and Attorney General have been dragged to court over the bill by a private citizen Paul Boama Sefa, who believes the two have breached portions of Ghana’s constitution regarding how the legislative body handled the Human Rights and Family Values Bill, 2021.

Meanwhile, the Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam George who's a lead campaigner for the bill, says the court does not have the power to prevent parliament from passing the bill.

https://myjoyonline.com/anti-lgbtq-bill-no-court-can-prevent-parliament-from-passing-it-sam-george

The vocal proponent of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill says the judiciary should not overstep its boundaries by attempting to dictate the legislative process.

Speaking on JoyNews‘ AM Show, Mr George questioned the court’s willingness to entertain two recent cases brought before it against the bill’s passage.

“I’m wondering why the courts are going ahead to even entertain any case at this point in time because the courts must bear in mind that no court can issue a judgment or give directive to the President that you can’t discuss this matter in Cabinet.”

He highlighted that while the courts play a crucial role in ensuring due process and keeping the legislation in check, they cannot assume to have the power to impede parliament’s right to pass laws.