Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has expressed his detachment from the post-passage procedures of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. He emphasized that his obligations concluded once Parliament approved the legislation, asserting that decisions regarding its submission for presidential assent are beyond his jurisdiction.
During his appearance on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, June 2, he reiterated that the bill, comprising approximately 19 clauses, had already undergone thorough examination in prior sessions. He argued that most of its content had been previously agreed upon by both sides of the House.
He mentioned that the areas of disagreement were minimal and had largely been resolved through committee deliberations, including discussions on clauses pertaining to professional and institutional freedoms.
“We collaborated with our colleagues on the entire bill from clause one to clause nine without issue. Even when concerns were raised, the committee made recommendations, and we engaged and reached agreements on several of them,” he stated.
The Majority Leader further questioned the necessity for additional reconsideration of the bill, asserting that Parliament had already achieved consensus on its key provisions following extensive negotiations.
According to him, the passage of the bill signifies the completion of the legislative process, irrespective of subsequent administrative or procedural concerns raised by other stakeholders.
“We have retained this bill in this House for one and a half years, and now we are being asked to revisit it and consider what exactly? I am uncertain which specific provisions require reconsideration. I have fulfilled my duty by advocating for the bill’s passage. Whether it will be transmitted for assent or not is beyond my purview,” he declared.
His remarks arise amidst ongoing debate regarding the future of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following directives from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for further engagement on the legislative process after concerns were raised about its final passage.
President John Dramani Mahama has also indicated that the bill necessitates further review before any decision on assent is made, citing procedural and constitutional considerations.
The Speaker, for his part, has called for renewed consultations with both the Majority and Minority leadership, after expressing surprise that the bill had advanced beyond the consideration stage to final passage on May 29, contrary to his expectation that deliberations were still ongoing.
Source: Citi Newsroom
