Parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ Bill 2026

Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2026 after heated debates on the floor of the House on Friday, May 29.

The bill, which was initially passed in February 2024, failed to receive presidential assent after legal challenges halted its progress during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

It later expired with the dissolution of the 8th Parliament, in line with constitutional provisions.

The legislation was subsequently reintroduced by a bipartisan group of Members of Parliament led by John Ntim Fordjour and Samuel Nartey George.

The bill seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy and the promotion of what it describes as non-conventional sexual relations and family values.

It also proposes sanctions against individuals, groups and organisations accused of funding, supporting or promoting LGBTQ+ activities.

During the final debate, Rev. Ntim Fordjour and several Minority MPs opposed what they described as attempts to amend portions of the bill.

According to them, the proposed amendments sought to remove sanctions against media practitioners, lawyers and other professionals whose services could be interpreted as promoting LGBTQ+ activities.

Meanwhile, the bill continues to generate mixed reactions across the country.

While some human rights advocates argue that the legislation infringes on fundamental human rights and freedoms, several religious groups have publicly backed it.

The Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference, Christian Council of Ghana and the Office of the National Chief Imam have all expressed support for the bill, insisting it is necessary to protect the moral values of the country.