Parliament has approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely referred to as the anti-gay bill. The legislation, which criminalises LGBTQ activities, was passed with new amendments that provide exemptions for certain individuals and institutions.
Under the revised provisions, lawyers offering legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not face sanctions. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters in the course of their professional duties are also exempt. Additionally, medical professionals—including those providing surgical, psychological, and counselling services—will not be penalised under the law.
The Minority Caucus strongly opposed these amendments, contending that they expose flaws in the original version of the bill submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent, and argue that the legislation in its initial form was not fit for purpose.
Despite the Minority’s objections, Parliament passed the bill.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill, is one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in Ghana’s recent history. The bill was introduced in Parliament to strengthen existing laws against same-sex relations and to prohibit the promotion, advocacy and funding of LGBTQ+ activities in the country. Before the introduction of the bill, Ghana already had laws criminalising same-sex sexual relations.
Section 104 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act criminalises what the law describes as “unnatural carnal knowledge,” which has long been interpreted to include consensual same-sex relations between adults. However, supporters of the bill argued that the existing laws were inadequate because they did not directly address LGBTQ+ advocacy, public campaigns, funding, or activism.
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The bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2021 as a private members’ initiative spearheaded by Ningo‑Prampram MP Sam George, with co‑sponsors drawn from both the Majority and Minority caucuses. It attracted backing from religious bodies, traditional authorities, and conservative organisations, who argued that the measure was essential to safeguarding Ghanaian cultural, religious, and family values. Advocates of the legislation maintained that Ghana must resist what they described as mounting international pressure to embrace LGBTQ+ rights.
The original version of the bill proposed strict penalties for:
* Same-sex sexual relations
* LGBTQ+ advocacy and promotion
* Formation or funding of LGBTQ+ groups
* Public displays of same-sex affection
* Media or educational content perceived to support LGBTQ+ rights
The bill also proposed penalties for individuals or organisations accused of promoting LGBTQ+ activities.
The bill quickly sparked intense national and international debate. Religious organisations, including the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Christian Council, Pentecostal and Charismatic groups, and some Islamic organisations, openly backed the legislation. On the other hand, human rights groups, legal experts, civil society organisations and international bodies criticised the bill, arguing that it violated constitutional freedoms and fundamental human rights. Several foreign governments, international NGOs and global human rights organisations also expressed concern over the proposed law, warning it could damage Ghana’s international image and democratic reputation.
At various stages of debate, concerns emerged that the bill could affect Ghana’s relations with international development partners. In 2023 and 2024, reports suggested that some international financial institutions and donor partners were closely monitoring developments surrounding the bill. Some analysts warned that passage of the legislation could affect foreign investment, aid relationships and Ghana’s access to some international support programmes.
The bill went through committee review, stakeholder consultations and several debates in Parliament over multiple years. Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee received memoranda from religious bodies, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations and members of the public. Debates largely centred on constitutional rights, freedom of expression, family values, religious beliefs and Ghana’s international obligations.
In February 2024, Parliament first passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The legislation was then to be forwarded to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent. However, the President did not sign the bill into law immediately. Legal challenges were subsequently filed at the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of the bill and the process surrounding its passage.
The legal actions delayed presidential assent.
Some individuals and groups petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing that parts of the bill violated constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, association and equality before the law. There were also arguments over whether Parliament had followed the proper constitutional procedures in passing the bill, particularly concerning financial implications and private members’ bills. The court cases became a major obstacle to the bill becoming law.
In 2025, Parliament reconsidered the legislation and introduced amendments before passing it again today Friday, May 29, 2026.
The revised version introduced exemptions for:
* Lawyers offering legal representation to LGBTQ+ persons
* Journalists and media houses reporting on LGBTQ+ issues
* Medical and mental health professionals providing healthcare or counselling services
Supporters of the amendments argued they were necessary to protect constitutional rights and professional responsibilities. However, some members of the Minority opposed the changes, arguing that they suggested the earlier version of the bill had flaws. Parliament has now passed the amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025. The next major step will depend on presidential assent and any possible legal or constitutional challenges that may follow.
The bill remains one of the most divisive social and political issues in Ghana, generating strong reactions from religious groups, politicians, rights advocates and the international community.
Source: Nii Ayikwei Okine
