Accra: The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has directed the Business Committee of Parliament to schedule the reintroduction of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, for consideration.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Bill was initially introduced in the Eighth Parliament as a Private Member's Bill and was passed on February 28, 2024. However, it lapsed because it did not receive presidential assent before the Eighth Parliament was dissolved. On Tuesday, Mr Bagbin explained in a communiqu© that the directive was to ensure the proper reintroduction of the Bill for debate and consideration, as it had already undergone the necessary parliamentary procedures in accordance with the Standing Orders.
Mr Bagbin's directive followed a review of the report by the Committee on Private Members' Bills and Private Members' Motions, confirming the proposed legislation's compliance with constitutional requirements. He quoted the Committee's findings, stating that the Bill maintained its underlying principles and core objectives without contravening any constitutional provision, especially Articles 106 and 108 of the 1992 Constitution. It was noted that the Bill does not impose taxation or charges on the Consolidated Fund or other public funds of Ghana.
In the Ninth Parliament, the Bill was sent to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice for review and comments. The Attorney-General submitted its opinion in April 2025, which was then forwarded to the Bill's sponsors for consideration. By correspondence dated February 5, 2025, a group of Members of Parliament, including Samuel Nartey George and others, expressed their intention to reintroduce the Bill.
Following a fiscal impact assessment and further review, the Committee unanimously recommended that the Bill be brought before the House. The Speaker emphasized that the Bill had met all constitutional and procedural requirements and directed the Business Committee to schedule it for reintroduction and debate. Civil society groups, international partners, and advocacy organizations are expected to closely monitor the Bill's progress as it returns to the floor of Parliament.