Ayariga Distances Himself from Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Assent Process

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has stated that his role in the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, ended with its passage in Parliament, stressing that decisions regarding its transmission for presidential assent are not within his responsibility.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, June 2, Ayariga said Parliament had thoroughly considered the bill's provisions and reached consensus on most of its clauses after extensive deliberations.

According to him, the legislation, which contains about 19 clauses, had already undergone detailed scrutiny over a period of more than a year, with disagreements largely resolved through committee work and negotiations between both sides of the House.

“We worked with our colleagues on the entire bill from clause one to clause nine. There was no issue. Even where concerns were raised, the committee made recommendations, and we engaged and agreed on several of them,” he explained.

The Majority Leader questioned calls for the bill to be reconsidered, arguing that Parliament had already completed its legislative mandate.

“We have kept this bill in this House for one and a half years, and now we are being asked to bring it back again and consider what exactly? I don’t know specifically what provisions need reconsideration. I have done my job. I have moved for the bill to be passed. As for whether it will be transmitted for assent or not, that is their business,” he stated.

The comments come amid ongoing discussions over the future of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill following concerns raised by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin regarding the legislative process that led to its passage.

President John Dramani Mahama has also indicated that the bill requires further review before any decision is taken on presidential assent, citing procedural and constitutional considerations.

Speaker Bagbin has since called for renewed consultations between the Majority and Minority leadership after expressing surprise that the bill progressed from the consideration stage to final passage on May 29, when he believed discussions were still ongoing.

The debate over the bill continues as stakeholders assess the next constitutional and procedural steps before it can become law.