Accra: The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Sumana Bagbin, has summoned the leadership of both the Majority and Minority Caucuses for urgent discussions following Parliament's passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. The meeting is expected to review the process leading to the passage of the Bill and determine the way forward.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Bagbin, addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps at Parliament House, expressed surprise at the Bill's passage, as he anticipated the House would only begin the consideration stage before he left the Chamber. He stressed the importance of achieving consensus, stating that the focus should be on implementing the legislation effectively to ensure it benefits the people.
The Speaker highlighted the necessity of public acceptance and effective execution of the legislation, which would require broad political consensus and engagement with key stakeholders. He noted that a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations, submitted memoranda and proposals during the legislative process.
Parliament passed the Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, after approving several amendments. The revised legislation exempts lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ, journalists and media organizations reporting on related issues in the course of their duties, and medical professionals offering surgical, psychological, or counseling services.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus opposed the amendments, arguing that they exposed inconsistencies in the version previously submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent. Despite these objections, the House approved the Bill.
The legislation will now undergo the remaining constitutional processes before becoming law. Mr. Bagbin reiterated the necessity of consensus-building moving forward, emphasizing the importance of implementation and public benefit.