The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the reinstatement of the original Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, arguing that recent amendments have significantly weakened the legislation and undermined its intended purpose.

According to the caucus, the revised bill lacks the strength and enforcement mechanisms contained in the version passed by Parliament in 2024. The Minority has therefore urged lawmakers to revert to the earlier draft, which they believe better reflects the wishes of Ghanaians.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, June 1, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and lead sponsor of the bill, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, criticized the changes introduced into the legislation, describing them as harmful modifications that dilute its effectiveness.

He argued that the amendments have removed key provisions that made the original bill a strong deterrent against activities it sought to regulate.

According to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, the current version no longer reflects the intent of the legislation as approved by the previous Parliament and falls short of the enforcement standards contained in the original draft.

He further claimed that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), which had previously supported the bill in its earlier form, has shifted its position by allowing substantial amendments to be made.

The Assin South legislator accused the government of departing from its earlier commitment to support the bill without major alterations.

“These are dangerous dilutions we should not allow to go like that. We want the old bill to come. The old bill is what has the teeth; the deterrence and the teeth to bite,” he stated.

Parliament on Friday, May 29, 2026, passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 after introducing several amendments, triggering renewed debate over the scope and implementation of the legislation.

Among the changes adopted are exemptions for legal practitioners who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+ issues as part of their professional duties are also exempt from sanctions.

In addition, healthcare professionals, including doctors, psychologists, counsellors and other medical practitioners offering treatment or support services, are protected under the amended legislation.

The Minority insists that these exemptions and other revisions substantially alter the character of the bill and weaken its enforcement provisions. As a result, the caucus is pressing for the restoration of the original version passed by Parliament in 2024.

The debate over the bill is expected to continue as political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders weigh in on the amended legislation and its potential implications.