The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has hailed Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, describing it as a welcome development backed by many religious groups and citizens. Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, May 29, Most Rev. Gyamfi said the Church received the news with joy and commended Parliament for approving the legislation.
“I just heard that Parliament has passed the bill. If that is indeed the case, then you should expect that the Church—and not only the Church, but all religious bodies in Ghana, together with many Ghanaians who have long advocated for this legislation—will join in congratulating Parliament for a job well done,” he stated.
“We receive it with great joy,” he added. Parliament on Friday passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, after reconsidering the legislation and introducing new amendments. The revised bill criminalises LGBTQ+ activities but exempts lawyers providing legal services to LGBTQ+ persons, journalists reporting on LGBTQ+ issues, and medical or mental health professionals offering healthcare or counselling services.
The amendments sparked debate in Parliament, with some Minority members arguing that the changes suggested flaws in the earlier version of the bill that had previously been submitted for presidential assent. Despite the objections, Parliament approved the legislation.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill has remained one of the most debated pieces of legislation in Ghana in recent years, attracting support from several religious and traditional groups who argue that it protects Ghanaian family values and cultural beliefs. However, human rights groups and some international organisations have criticised the legislation, arguing that it could undermine constitutional freedoms and affect Ghana’s international reputation.
Source: Abigail Arthur
