Accra: Parliament has successfully passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-gay bill, with new amendments that exempt specific groups from sanctions under the law. The House gave its approval to the legislation on Friday, May 29, 2026.
According to Ghana News Agency, the legislation was initially designed to criminalise activities associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) individuals. However, the recently approved amendments mean that certain individuals and institutions will not face punishment under this law.
Notably, individuals who provide legal advice or representation to those identified as LGBTQ will be exempt from penalties. Similarly, journalists and media organisations covering LGBTQ-related issues or current affairs in their professional capacity will not be subject to sanctions. Medical professionals offering surgical, psychological, or counselling services to LGBTQ individuals will also be excluded from penalisation under the new law.
The exemptions have sparked significant opposition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus. The Minority contended that the amendments indicate that the original version of the Bill, which was submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent, was flawed and 'not fit for purpose.'
Despite the objections raised by the Minority, the Bill was passed by the House. The next step for the legislation is to be presented to the President for assent before it can officially become law.