Parliament to debate LGBTQ+bill tomorrow

Ghana’s Ninth Parliament will resume sitting tomorrow, with lawmakers set to debate one of the country’s most anticipated legislative proposals, the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. Widely known as the LGBTQ+ Bill.

The proposed legislation, which is ready for formal presentation before the House, seeks to define and regulate human sexual rights while promoting family values deeply rooted in Ghana’s cultural and moral traditions.

The bill aims to strike a balance between protecting individual rights such as privacy and dignity and safeguarding the nation’s social and cultural identity.

Supporters of the bill have said that, it will help preserve Ghana’s traditional values and promote social harmony. They maintain that the legislation will “strengthen community cohesion, reduce social conflicts, and uphold Ghana’s identity as a values-driven society.”

However, others have raised concerns about potential human rights implications, warning that the bill must be crafted carefully to avoid violating constitutional freedoms. Civil society groups and legal experts have called for extensive consultations to ensure the law reflects both Ghanaian values and global human rights standards.

As Parliament reconvenes, debate on the LGBTQ+ Bill is expected to dominate proceedings. The discussions are likely to be spirited, with opinions divided across political, social, and religious lines.

The outcome of the deliberations is expected to shape the country’s legal and moral direction on issues of sexuality, identity, and cultural preservation for years to come.

The founder of Diaspora Progressive Movement – USA, Dr. Lawrence Appiah some few months ago called on President Akufo-Addo to sign the LGBTQ bill to make it a law.

A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Lovelace Avril Johnson, has unanimously dismissed a petition filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

Sky had sought a declaration that the bill, which has ignited intense national debate, was null and void. However, the court rejected his petition, affirming the constitutionality of the legislative process for the proposed anti-LGBTQI legislation.

The controversial bill aims to criminalize activities associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) advocacy. If passed into law, it would impose penalties on individuals promoting or funding LGBTQI-related activities, as well as those providing indirect support.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Lawrence stated “this is a final reminder to President Nana Akuffo-Addo.

“He has four days to sign the LGBTQ bill to make it a law. Also, there is a petition on his desk to remove the Chief Justice. He must sign the petition. President Nana Addo, has left so many legacies since he became the president in 2017, including leaving the presidency with 5 regions without representation in parliament from his party. I see the most important legacy he will leave with Ghanaians is the signing of the LGBTQ bill and approving the removal of the Chief Justice.

“Nana, you have just four days to leave office. Don’t disappoint us. We trusted you and we still trust you with 32.8% of our heart,” Dr. Lawrence indicated.