Parliament has been instructed to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following renewed discussions among the House leadership aimed at building a broader consensus on this controversial legislation. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, called for further engagement with both the Majority and Minority leadership on Tuesday, June 2, after concerns arose regarding the process that led to the bill’s passage.
This follows the Speaker’s surprise at the bill being fully passed on Friday, May 29, as he had expected that Parliament would only begin the consideration stage before concluding the proceedings. He emphasised that such a significant piece of legislation requires wider agreement among stakeholders.
According to him, several development partners and institutions, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and recommendations on the bill prior to its passage, indicating strong international and domestic interest in the outcome of the legislation.
He therefore summoned leadership from both sides of the House for urgent consultations to review the legislative process and determine the most appropriate way forward. He emphasised that the focus should not only be on passing the bill but also on ensuring its effective implementation and public acceptance.
“This is such a critical matter that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not just about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and ensuring it benefits the people,” he stated.
The development follows Parliament’s earlier approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after the House adopted a series of amendments.
The revised version of the bill includes exemptions for legal practitioners offering advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ, as well as protections for journalists and media organisations reporting on related issues in the course of their professional duties. Medical professionals providing healthcare and counselling services are also exempt from sanctions.
Despite opposition from the Minority Caucus, which argued that the amendments revealed gaps in the earlier version of the bill, Parliament proceeded to pass the legislation, subject to remaining constitutional processes.
Source: Abigail Arthur
