The Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has withdrawn all proposed amendments he introduced to the promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values bill.
This comes after he failed to get the support for approval from the house.
Despite supporting the bill’s principles, the Deputy Majority Leader objected to the provision that mandates imprisonment for individuals engaged in LGBTQ+ activities.
During the bill’s third reading in Parliament on Thursday, February 15, Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the proposed custodial sentences.
However, on Wednesday’s sitting, the House voted against two of the proposals which demanded a replacement of imprisonment with community service for persons found culpable of LGBT activities.
Afenyo-Markin also withdrew his new amendment which was seeking mandatory counseling on human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values as a post-conviction sentence.
It will be recalled that Parliament, in early February 2024, approved a custodial sentence of three to five years for any willful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities.
Those caught engaging in LGBTQ+ activities are to face a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years.
However, the lead proponent of the anti-gay bill and MP for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, defended the inclusion of custodial sentences.
He indicated that laws are meant to serve as deterrents and argued against the notion that imprisonment would not lead to reform.