Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has directed the House to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following renewed consultations among parliamentary leadership aimed at building broader consensus on the contentious legislation.
The directive was issued on Tuesday, June 2, after concerns emerged regarding the process that led to the passage of the bill, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, by Parliament on Friday, May 29.
Addressing Members of Parliament, Bagbin disclosed that he had expected the House to commence consideration of the bill rather than complete all stages of the legislative process on the same day. He said the development came as a surprise and underscored the need for further engagement among stakeholders given the significance of the legislation.
According to the Speaker, the bill has attracted substantial local and international attention, with several development partners and institutions, including the United Nations, submitting memoranda and recommendations before its passage.
He stressed that Parliament must seek broader agreement on the legislation to ensure that its implementation is effective and reflects the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
“This is such a critical matter that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not just about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and ensuring it benefits the people,” Bagbin stated.
The Speaker subsequently summoned the leadership of both the Majority and Minority Caucuses for urgent consultations to review the legislative process and determine the most appropriate course of action regarding the bill.
The development follows Parliament's approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, after lawmakers adopted a number of amendments during the consideration stage.
Among the key revisions approved by the House are exemptions for legal practitioners providing legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected from sanctions under the revised bill.
Additionally, medical professionals offering healthcare services, counselling, and related support are exempt from penalties that may arise under the legislation.
Despite these amendments, the Minority Caucus expressed reservations about the bill, arguing that the changes exposed weaknesses and inconsistencies in earlier versions of the proposed law. However, Parliament proceeded to pass the legislation, subject to the completion of the remaining constitutional processes.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains one of the most debated legislative proposals in Ghana in recent years, generating strong support from religious and traditional groups while drawing criticism from human rights advocates and some international organisations.