Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the passage of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, following a second consideration of the legislation by Parliament.
Mr Bagbin said lawmakers would revisit the bill at Parliament’s next sitting to correct errors identified in the version initially passed, expressing confidence that the legislative process would be completed.
He made the remarks at the IPR Ghana 2026 National PR Conference and Excellence Awards in Koforidua, where he stressed that the bill should be approached as a matter of national consensus rather than partisan politics.
According to the Speaker, the initial passage of the legislation was rushed in his absence, necessitating a review to address mistakes arising from the process.
“When the law was rushed through at the last minute at my back, I came out and said no way, this bill must go through as a consensus bill. We don’t want partisanship in it. It is for everybody. It means a lot to Ghanaians,” he said.
Mr Bagbin explained that Parliament had identified errors, particularly in some last-minute amendments, which would be addressed during the second consideration before the House proceeds with the bill.
“We have identified a few mistakes, most of the last-minute amendments, and therefore the next meeting will come back for a second consideration, and we’ll pass it,” he said.
The Speaker maintained that the legislation remained a priority and insisted that Parliament would pursue its passage while he remained in office.
“When we are no longer there, you can do what you want to do. But so far as we continue to exist, that law will be the law of the land. You can do whatever you want after I’m gone,” he added.
Mr Bagbin also commended the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, for his contribution to parliamentary deliberations on the bill, saying his role had made Ghana proud.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Its future, however, remains dependent on Parliament’s reconsideration and completion of the legislative process.
