Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has summoned the leadership of Parliament for discussions following the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, stressing the need for consensus to ensure the legislation gains public acceptance and can be effectively implemented.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, June 1, Bagbin said he was surprised by Parliament’s decision to pass the bill on Friday, explaining that he had expected the House to only begin the consideration stage before his departure.
He noted that several stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and proposals on the legislation for Parliament’s consideration.
“In fact, when it was passed on Friday, it was even a surprise to me because I knew that they were going to start the consideration of the bill,” he said.
The Speaker disclosed that he has invited leaders of both the Majority and Minority caucuses to a meeting to review the outcome of the legislative process and discuss the way forward.
Parliament on Friday passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after adopting a number of amendments.
Under the revised bill, lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ are exempt from sanctions. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected from punishment.
The amendments further exempt medical professionals who provide surgical, psychological or counselling services to LGBTQ persons from sanctions under the legislation.
The Minority Caucus opposed the changes, arguing that they suggested significant flaws existed in the earlier version of the bill that had been submitted to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.
Despite the objections, Parliament approved the amended bill, paving the way for the remaining constitutional processes required before it can take effect.
