By: Jude Tackie
The proposed amendment by Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021 has been rejected for the second time.
Afenyo-Markin’s proposed amendment sought to introduce non-custodial sentences, specifically community service, as punishment for breaches of the controversial bill, rather than custodial sentences such as imprisonment. However, this proposition faced staunch opposition within the House.
Last week, Afenyo-Markin’s initial proposal was met with resistance, and the rejection persisted during the recent session. Despite advocating for the potential reformative benefits of community service over imprisonment, Afenyor Markin’s motion failed to gain traction among his colleagues.
During the session, Afenyo-Markin moved a motion for the second consideration of the proposed amendment to various clauses of the bill, emphasizing the advantages of community service in fostering rehabilitation.
However, his efforts were countered by strong opposition, notably from MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, who urged the House to maintain custodial sentences as punishment for breaches of the law.
When the Speaker, Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin, put the question forward regarding Markin’s proposed amendment, it was ultimately rejected by the majority of the House.