The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has announced that the highly debated Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill—will be laid before Parliament for its first reading during the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament.
The bill, which aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, also seeks to ban any form of advocacy, promotion, or financial support for such practices.
Speaking at the opening of the new parliamentary session, Speaker Bagbin confirmed that three private members’ bills have completed all necessary preparatory procedures and will be introduced for first reading in the coming weeks.
These include the Property Rights of Spouses Bill, 2025, the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.
“The necessary processes in accordance with our Standing Orders have been completed, and the bills are ready to be presented for first reading during this meeting,” the Speaker said.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was previously passed by the Eighth Parliament but did not become law after it failed to receive presidential assent under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Its reintroduction is expected to rekindle widespread national and international debate, with discussions likely to center on human rights, constitutional freedoms, and the role of cultural and religious values in legislative processes.
Advocates of the bill argue that it reflects Ghanaian cultural norms and protects traditional family structures, while critics—including various human rights groups and international organizations—view it as a violation of fundamental freedoms and an endorsement of discrimination.
