Sam George, a sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, clarified that Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin did not block the third reading of the bill on Thursday, February 15.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin opposed the provision of the bill that would lead to the imprisonment of individuals accused of engaging in or promoting LGBTQ+ activities, expressing concerns that the bill’s punitive action would not aid in rehabilitating the culprits.
Reports had suggested that but for his opposition, the controversial legislation would have gone through that day, however, Sam George insists that Mr. Afenyo-Markin did not disrupt the third reading. He explained that he and another sponsor, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah intended to do a second consideration of the bill, indicating that the bill will undergo amendments.
Speaking on Joy FM’s TopStory on February 15, he argued that “Afenyo Markin did not arrest the third reading. He would have been defeated with ease on the floor.”
After Mr. Afenyo-Markin contributed to the debate, his co-sponsor seconded the motion, implying that the Deputy Majority Leader did not have what it took to arrest the bill. This clarification sheds more light on the proceedings around the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Ghana’s Parliament.
