Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has directed the Business Committee to schedule the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill and reintroduce it for consideration, stating that it does not contravene any constitutional provision.
The Speaker noted that the re-consideration of the bill does not amount to waste of the state’s financial resources.
The bill went through all the enactment processes and was passed by Ghana’s 8th Parliament in February 2024. However, it was not assented by the previous President Akufo-Addo to become law.
The bill essentially elapsed upon the inauguration of the 9th Parliament. There has also been confusion over the legislative process — the previous Parliament expired before the bill was signed, prompting its reintroduction in the new session.
In February 2025, nine members of Parliament declared their interest to re-introduce the bill to Parliament.
Subsequently, Speaker Bagbin directed that the drafting be redone and the bill transmitted in pursuant of Order 186 and directed the Committee on Private Member’s bill and Private Member’s Motion to consider again and advise on whether the bill complies with the relevant constitutional provisions.
Addressing MPs on the floor of the House on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Speaker said: “Honourable members, I have reviewed the report of the Committee and form the opinion that the Bill does not impose or alter taxation or a charge of the consolidated fund in the manner as stipulated in Article 108 of the constitution.
“The bill has gone through all the processes in accordance with the Standing Orders of Parliament. I, therefore, direct that the bill be scheduled by the Business Committee to be presented to the House for consideration,” he stated.
The bill aims to introduce strict criminal penalties for same-sex sexual activity and for promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Under previous versions passed by Parliament, people could face prison terms for same-sex conduct and for advocacy for same.
