Passage of anti-LGBTQ+ Bill surprising – Bagbin
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has summoned the leadership of the House for discussions following the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, insisting that there must be consensus on the legislation to ensure its effective implementation and public acceptance.
Addressing journalists on Monday, June 1, Mr. Bagbin expressed surprise over Parliament’s decision to pass the bill on Friday, noting that he had expected Parliament to commence only the consideration stage before he left the House.
According to the Speaker, he noted that a wide range of stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and proposals on the legislation.
“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 stated.
As a result, he has invited leaders from both the Majority and Minority caucuses to a meeting to review the outcome of the process and determine the way forward.
“This is such a critical deal that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and making sure that it benefits the people,” he added.
Parliament on Friday passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after adopting a number of amendments.
The revised legislation exempts lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ from sanctions under the law. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters in the course of their professional duties are also exempt from punishment.
Additionally, medical professionals providing surgical, psychological or counselling services to LGBTQ persons will not face sanctions under the legislation.
The Minority Caucus opposed the amendments, arguing that they suggested the earlier version of the bill submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent contained significant flaws.
Despite the objections, Parliament approved the bill and passed it into law, subject to the remaining constitutional processes.
