Parliament has approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, following renewed debate and amendments to portions of the proposed legislation.
The newly passed version introduces exemptions for certain professional groups and individuals who may interact with persons identified as LGBTQ in the course of their duties.
Political Debate Transcripts
Under the revised provisions, lawyers who provide legal counsel or representation to LGBTQ persons will not face punishment under the law. Journalists and media organisations covering LGBTQ-related matters as part of their professional work have also been exempted from sanctions.
Medical practitioners, including doctors, surgeons, psychologists and counsellors offering healthcare or mental health support services to LGBTQ persons, are similarly protected under the amendments.
The Minority Caucus strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that they suggest the original version of the bill submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent was flawed and not fit for purpose.
Despite objections from the Minority side, Parliament proceeded to pass the bill.
Background
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has remained one of the most contentious legislations in Ghana’s recent political history.
The proposed law seeks to criminalise LGBTQ activities while also prohibiting the promotion, advocacy and financial support of LGBTQ-related causes and organisations.
Before the introduction of the bill, Ghana already had laws criminalising same-sex sexual relations. Section 104 of the Criminal Offences Act criminalises what the law describes as “unnatural carnal knowledge,” a provision that has long been interpreted to include consensual same-sex relations between adults.
However, supporters of the legislation argued that existing laws did not sufficiently address LGBTQ advocacy, activism, public campaigns and funding activities.
The bill was initially introduced in Parliament in 2021 as a private members’ bill spearheaded by Sam George alongside co-sponsors from both the Majority and Minority caucuses.
The legislation quickly gained support from several religious groups, traditional leaders and conservative organisations, who maintained that the bill was necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural, religious and family values.
Supporters further argued that Ghana must resist what they described as increasing international pressure to recognise LGBTQ rights.
The original version proposed severe 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 materials perceived to endorse LGBTQ rights
The bill also prescribed sanctions for individuals and organisations accused of promoting LGBTQ activities.
The proposal generated intense public and international debate. Religious organisations, including the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Christian Council, Pentecostal and Charismatic groups, as well as some Islamic organisations, openly backed the bill.
Conversely, human rights organisations, legal experts, civil society groups and international institutions criticised the legislation, arguing that it threatened constitutional freedoms and fundamental human rights.
Several foreign governments and international NGOs also expressed concern, warning that the bill could damage Ghana’s democratic image and international reputation.
At different stages of deliberation, concerns were raised over the potential economic and diplomatic consequences of the legislation. Reports in 2023 and 2024 suggested some international donor agencies and financial institutions were closely monitoring developments surrounding the bill.
Some analysts warned that passage of the legislation could affect foreign investment, aid partnerships and Ghana’s access to certain international support programmes.
The bill subsequently underwent committee reviews, stakeholder consultations and extensive parliamentary debates over several years.
Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee received submissions from religious bodies, academics, legal practitioners, civil society organisations and members of the public.
Discussions largely focused 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 and forwarded it to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.
However, the former President withheld assent as legal challenges were filed at the Supreme Court questioning both the constitutionality of the legislation and the procedure used in passing it.
The legal suits delayed the bill from becoming law.
Some petitioners argued that portions of the legislation violated constitutional protections relating to freedom of speech, association and equality before the law.
Others also questioned whether Parliament had adhered to proper constitutional procedures, particularly regarding financial implications tied to private members’ bills.
In 2025, Parliament revisited the legislation and introduced amendments before passing it again on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The amended version now exempts:
- Lawyers offering legal representation to LGBTQ persons
- Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ matters
- Medical and mental health professionals providing healthcare or counselling services
Supporters of the revisions argued that the exemptions were necessary to protect constitutional rights and professional obligations.
However, some Minority members opposed the changes, insisting they exposed weaknesses in the earlier version of the bill.
With Parliament now having passed the amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, attention is expected to shift to presidential assent and the likelihood of further legal or constitutional challenges.
