Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has directed the parliamentary committee handling the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, to submit its report for consideration and possible passage before the current meeting of Parliament concludes.
Addressing Members of Parliament during the resumption of parliamentary sittings on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Speaker underscored the importance of the legislation and stressed the need for the House to move the process forward without further delays.
“In view of the significance of the bill and the need to advance the legislative process, I urge the committee to present its report for consideration and passage by the House before the end of this meeting. Very important,” Bagbin stated on the floor of Parliament.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has remained one of the most controversial and heavily debated legislative proposals in Ghana in recent years. The bill has attracted widespread support from religious organisations, traditional authorities, and conservative groups who argue that it reflects Ghana’s cultural and moral values.
At the same time, the proposed legislation has faced criticism from human rights advocates, civil society organisations, and sections of the international community, who contend that some provisions of the bill could undermine the rights and freedoms of individuals.
Bagbin acknowledged growing concerns among sections of the Ghanaian public regarding the delay in passing the bill, noting that Parliament is aware of the strong public interest surrounding the legislation.
“Parliament has also taken note of the concerns recently expressed by sections of the public and various stakeholders regarding the delay in the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025,” he said.
“We appreciate the keen public interest in this important legislation, and acknowledge the expectations of the citizenry on the matter.”
According to the Speaker, the parliamentary committee responsible for the bill has already completed consultations with stakeholders and concluded public hearings, indicating that the legislative process has advanced significantly and is now ready for the next stage.
“As stakeholders may be aware, the committee responsible for the bill has concluded its public hearing and stakeholder engagements,” he added.
The Speaker’s latest remarks reinforce earlier commitments by Parliament’s leadership to ensure the bill is revisited and passed during the life of the current Parliament.
The previous version of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was approved by Parliament in 2024 but failed to become law after former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declined to assent to it before the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament. Legal challenges and constitutional concerns also contributed to delays surrounding the bill at the time.
Since the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament, Bagbin has repeatedly assured supporters of the legislation that Parliament remains committed to seeing the process through to completion.
The Speaker has consistently maintained that the proposed law reflects the beliefs, traditions, and cultural expectations of many Ghanaians, insisting that Parliament has a responsibility to respond to the sentiments of the majority of citizens.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and promotion in Ghana while also prescribing sanctions for individuals and organisations found to be in violation of its provisions.
Debate over the bill has generated intense national and international attention, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian family values, while opponents continue to raise concerns about constitutional rights, freedom of expression, and the potential impact on Ghana’s international image and diplomatic relations.
With Parliament now back in session, attention is expected to shift to the committee’s report and whether lawmakers will move quickly to debate and pass the bill before the meeting adjourns.
The issue is likely to remain one of the most closely watched matters before the House in the coming weeks as both supporters and critics continue to monitor developments surrounding the proposed legislation.
