Parliament adjourns without revisiting Anti-LGBTQ Bill

Parliament has adjourned sine die, ending the second meeting of the second session of the Ninth Parliament without taking another look at the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2026, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

The development comes despite an earlier indication from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin that the House was likely to reconsider its decision on the bill’s passage to allow for amendments to three key provisions relating to the punishment regime before the legislation is passed again.

A motion seeking to rescind Parliament’s earlier decision on the bill was placed on the Order Paper for Friday, July 31, 2026, but lawmakers could not adopt it before the House rose.

The failure to revisit the bill means the proposed amendments to strengthen some of its clauses remain outstanding.

Meanwhile, Parliament passed several significant pieces of legislation during the meeting, including the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, which provides that cocoa farmers receive not less than 70 per cent of the Free on Board (FOB) export price through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

The House also approved the Excise Bill, 2026, which removes excise duties on locally produced fruit juices in an effort to reduce prices, encourage healthier consumption and support domestic agro-processing businesses.

Another major legislation passed was the Customs Bill, 2026, which introduces a comprehensive framework for customs administration by consolidating existing laws, improving trade facilitation, enhancing border security and boosting revenue mobilisation.

Parliament further passed the Tribunals Bill to establish Regional and District Tribunals aimed at easing pressure on the courts and reducing the backlog of cases.

Other approved bills include the National Defence University Ghana Bill and the Community Service Bill, which introduces community service as an alternative sentencing option for persons convicted of certain offences.

The House adjourned after completing debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, bringing parliamentary business for the meeting to a close ahead of the recess.