Member of Parliament for Odotobri, Anthony Mmieh, has backed the Speaker’s directive to revisit Ghana’s controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, describing the move as necessary to ensure the law meets its intended purpose.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (3 June), Mmieh, who is also a member of Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, said the reconsideration would help address concerns that the bill in its current form may not effectively tackle the issues it was designed to resolve.
“If at the end of the day it is not going to serve that purpose to the satisfaction of Ghanaians, then we need to take a second look at it,” he said.
Mmieh, who indicated he was involved in sponsoring the bill, argued that Parliament must prioritise substance over speed, warning against passing legislation that lacks enforcement strength.
He cited provisions—particularly a controversial “Clause 9” introducing exemptions—as potentially undermining the law’s effectiveness by shielding certain actors.
“With these exemptions, those who promote or sponsor the acts could escape accountability,” he said, adding that such loopholes could weaken the bill’s core objective.
The lawmaker also defended the Speaker’s authority to call for a review, pointing to parliamentary conventions and Standing Orders that allow reconsideration of legislation.
He urged lawmakers to build consensus rather than rely on numerical advantage.
“Let us not use our numbers this time. Let us think about Ghanaians and ensure the law works for them,” he said.
The bill, which has sparked national debate, now faces renewed scrutiny amid claims of procedural irregularities and concerns over its final content.
Source: asaaseradio.com
