Sylvester Tetteh is optimistic that the anti-LGBTQI bill will surely be passed
The debate concerning Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and their related activities (LGBTQI+) is still on as to whether to go ahead to pass a bill against the act or not.
But Legislator for Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfrom Constituency on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party Sylvester Tetteh is optimistic about the fact that parliament will pass the anti LGBTQI bill before it.
The legislator explained how the bill is of great significance to the country and will enjoy support from both sides of the House.
Sylvester Tetteh, who happens to be the Vice-Chairman of the Communications Committee of Parliament made this known during a discussion on the bill on Accra-based Joy Fm monitored by myactiveonline.com.
He also urged proponents of the bill to allow and tolerate dissenting views.
According to him, that would provide an avenue for fine-tuning the bill for the betterment of the country.
He further said “I have had a lot of conversations with chiefs and opinion leaders in my constituency. I think that [there is a] bi-partisan nature of this bill in Parliament. However, we must also be tolerant to other dissenting views, wherever it’s coming from and what the posture is.”
“As for the bill, I pretty much believe if you ask members of parliament, about 90% or more, or unanimously, would love to vote for it,” he said.
This makes him the second Member of Parliament for the ruling party to openly speak on the bill which has generated widespread controversy after Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
For the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri Frank Annor Dompreh, the anti-LGBTQI+ bill before parliament in its current form requires some changes to make it fit for purpose.
In a tweet, he said the fine-tuning will ensure that rights guaranteed by the country’s constitution are duly protected
“We need to fine-tune it to ensure that it maximizes the protection of rights and freedoms in consonance with democratic principles as we have practised uninterrupted for over 3 decades,” he said.
The legislator is also worried about the fact that the bill, which has generated huge controversy and dominated news headlines for several weeks, has assumed a political twist.
He said while he agrees that there is a need for a bill that protects Ghanaian values, the current bill falls short in doing so.
“It’s unfortunate the LGBTQ bill is being politicized. As the majority caucus in Parliament, we agree in principle that legislation that protects Ghanaian values in all areas of life must be supported. However, the bill, as it is now, is defective,” he said.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
