Anti-LGBTQ Bill ready for first reading in Parliament – Speaker Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has confirmed that the widely debated Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, will be reintroduced for its first reading during the second sitting of Ghana’s Ninth Parliament.

This proposed legislation seeks to criminalize same-sex relationships, as well as the promotion, advocacy, and financial support of LGBTQ+ activities within the country.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, during the formal opening of its second meeting, Speaker Bagbin noted that the bill—alongside two other private members’ bills—has successfully gone through the necessary procedural steps and is ready to be tabled.

“Three private members bills; The Property Rights of Spouses Bill 2025, Constitution of the Republic of Ghana Amendment Bill 2025, and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 have completed the processes as required by the standing orders and are expected to be presented for a first reading during the course of this meeting,” he stated.

The bill had previously been passed by the Eighth Parliament, triggering intense public debate and attracting global attention. However, it never became law, as then-President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to give it presidential assent, effectively stalling its implementation.

Its return to the legislative agenda is expected to reignite national discourse on the balance between constitutional freedoms, international human rights obligations, and Ghana’s traditional family values.

Though the bill remains one of the most polarizing in Ghana’s recent political landscape, Parliament now appears poised to reopen discussions and resume formal consideration.