Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Constituency, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, has stated that Parliament lacks the legal authority to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, after it has successfully passed its third reading.
Speaking on Dreamz FM in Bolgatanga, the former legislator expressed surprise over reports that the Speaker of Parliament was dissatisfied with the manner in which the bill was passed and intended to engage parliamentary leadership on the matter.
According to Mr. Fuseini, the legislative process is clearly outlined in the Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders. He explained that after a bill is introduced, it is referred to the appropriate committee for scrutiny and stakeholder consultations before being returned to the House for debate.
“The first reading is simply the laying of the bill. The second reading is where members debate the policy issues. After that, Parliament goes through the bill clause by clause, making amendments where necessary,” he explained.
He noted that once the consideration stage is completed, the bill is advertised for a third reading, after which Parliament concludes its role in the legislative process.
“Once the bill is read for the third time and passed, Parliament becomes functus officio. It no longer has the authority to revisit or reconsider the bill. The only remaining step is for it to be transmitted to the President for assent,” he said.
Mr. Fuseini acknowledged that members may request reconsideration of specific clauses after the consideration stage but before the third reading. However, he stressed that such opportunities cease once the bill is formally passed.
Responding to suggestions that Parliament could reopen discussions on the bill after passage, he stated, “I do not know of any parliamentary practice that allows a bill to be reconsidered after it has passed the third reading. If that were to happen, it would be the first of its kind.”
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was passed by Parliament on Friday and currently awaits presidential assent.
