Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has directed the House to revisit the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025—popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill—following concerns over whether the reported bipartisan consensus was properly reflected during its approval on the floor of Parliament.
The Speaker’s directive follows questions raised about inconsistencies between the committee report accompanying the Bill and the actual proceedings in the House during its passage.
Concerns over claimed bipartisan support
Mr. Bagbin explained that the committee report on the Bill indicated unanimous or bipartisan support from both Majority and Minority members.
However, he said that level of consensus was not clearly demonstrated during the final proceedings in the Chamber.
According to him, where a committee presents a report suggesting full agreement, that consensus must be visibly reflected in the decision-making process on the floor of Parliament.
He therefore directed that Parliament revisit aspects of the Bill’s passage to ensure that the stated bipartisan support is properly captured and reflected in the legislative record.
Fresh scrutiny over legislative process
The directive introduces a new twist to one of Ghana’s most controversial legislative measures, which has attracted significant public debate both locally and internationally.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to prohibit LGBTQ-related activities and advocacy in Ghana.
While its sponsors argue that it is intended to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, critics maintain that it could undermine human rights and constitutional freedoms.
Speaker seeks broader consensus
The reconsideration directive also follows earlier concerns expressed by the Speaker over the manner in which the Bill was passed.
Speaking after summoning leadership of both the Majority and Minority caucuses for consultations, Mr. Bagbin said he had expected Parliament to only begin the consideration stage before proceedings concluded with full passage of the Bill.
He stressed that such a significant piece of legislation requires broader consensus, especially given the level of domestic and international attention it has attracted.
According to him, several development partners, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and recommendations on the Bill prior to its passage.
Consensus is essential
Mr. Bagbin emphasised that the focus of Parliament should not only be on passing the Bill but also on ensuring its effective implementation and acceptance by the public.
“This is such a critical matter that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not just about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and ensuring it benefits the people,” he stated.
Ongoing debate over controversial legislation
The directive comes amid continued scrutiny of the legislative process surrounding the Bill, including questions over procedural compliance and whether all parliamentary requirements were fully met.
The Bill, which was passed after the adoption of several amendments, remains one of the most hotly debated pieces of legislation in recent years, with supporters insisting it safeguards Ghanaian moral and cultural values, while opponents warn of possible implications for civil liberties and minority rights.
