The Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has instructed the Committee handling the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, to submit its report for debate and passage before Parliament’s current meeting closes.
Speaking in the House as Parliament reconvened on Thursday, May 21, Mr. Bagbin said the bill remains a key public concern and emphasised the need to move the legislative process forward.
“In view of the significance of the bill and the need to advance the legislative process, I urge the Committee to present its report for consideration and passage by the House before the end of this meeting. Very important,” he stated.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely called the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has been among the most contested laws in recent years, gaining strong backing from religious bodies and traditional leaders, while drawing criticism from human rights groups and some international organisations.
Mr. Bagbin noted rising public worry over delays in passing the bill and said Parliament recognises Ghanaians’ expectations.
“Parliament has also taken note of the concerns recently expressed by sections of the public and various stakeholders regarding the delay in the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025,” he said.
“We appreciate the keen public interest in this important legislation, and acknowledge the expectations of the citizenry on the matter.”
According to the Speaker, the committee in charge of the bill has already finished its stakeholder consultations and public hearings, clearing the path for the next legislative step.
“As stakeholders may be aware, the committee responsible for the bill has concluded its public hearing and stakeholder engagements,” he added.
His latest comments back earlier pledges that the current Parliament is committed to passing the bill after the previous version stalled when former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo declined to assent to it before the last Parliament was dissolved.
Mr. Bagbin has consistently insisted that the current Parliament will see the legislation through, arguing that it mirrors the values and cultural expectations of many Ghanaians.
