Ghana’s Parliament is set to reignite one of the country’s most contentious legislative battles as the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, announced the reintroduction of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities and prohibit their advocacy, promotion, or funding, is scheduled for its first reading during the second meeting of the Ninth Parliament.
Speaker Bagbin made the announcement during his opening address at the beginning of the new parliamentary session, listing the bill among three key private members’ bills ready for presentation, alongside the Property Rights of Spouses Bill and the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana Amendment Bill.
Although the anti-LGBTQ+ bill was passed by the previous Eighth Parliament, it failed to receive presidential assent under then-President Nana Akufo-Addo and therefore did not become law. Its return to Parliament signals renewed legislative momentum but also sets the stage for another round of national and international scrutiny.
The bill remains a polarising subject in Ghana, dividing public opinion between those championing cultural and religious values and those defending human rights and constitutional freedoms. Civil society groups, religious organisations, and international observers are expected to follow the proceedings closely as Parliament resumes deliberations.
The reintroduction of the bill underscores the enduring tension between Ghana’s traditional social norms and evolving global perspectives on sexual orientation and identity.
