Barker-Vormawor Urges Mahama to Reject Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Over Quorum Concerns

Private legal practitioner and activist Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor has asked President John Dramani Mahama not to sign the newly passed Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, questioning the legality of how Parliament approved it.

The bill was passed on Friday, May 30, but Barker-Vormawor says the House lacked the required number of MPs to make the decision. In a Facebook post on Saturday, May 31, he alleged that only 34 lawmakers were present when the vote was taken.

“Turns out the Anti-LGBTQ bill was passed without a quorum. Only 34 MPs? Over to the President. Cease and desist letter incoming,” he wrote, signaling plans for a legal challenge.

Parliament passed the legislation with several amendments. The revised bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy but now exempts lawyers representing LGBTQ+ persons, journalists covering related issues, and medical professionals providing healthcare or counseling.

The Minority Caucus strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that the changes prove the original version sent for presidential assent under the previous administration was defective.