Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, took a stand against the third reading of the Anti-LGBTQ bill, a move that halted its passage on February 15 2024.

Although Afenyo-Markin is not opposed to the principles of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, he objects to the provision mandating imprisonment for those involved in or promoting LGBTQ activities. He stated, “The essence of this motion is to afford this august house the opportunity to thoroughly consider amendments that are proposed in the bill with the view of substituting community service for incarceration.”

Afenyo-Markin argued that punitive actions wouldn’t contribute to the rehabilitation of individuals, saying, “The issue before us is behavioral, and it is my humble view that in dealing with behavioral matters, incarceration is not the solution. It makes the matter worse.” He emphasized, “To jail a person for his/her sexuality will not be the solution in maintaining our Ghanaian family values and ensuring proper human sexual rights.”

Meanwhile, Sam George, a sponsor of the bill, disagreed with Afenyo-Markin’s stance, suggesting that his arguments lack validity or merit.