Bagbin calls for reconsideration of anti-LGBTQ bill

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for further engagement between the Majority and Minority leadership for the reconsideration of the Human Rights and Family Bill 2025 after concerns emerged over the process that led to the passage of the bill.

This comes after the Speaker expressed surprise that the bill had been fully passed on Friday, May 29, explaining that he had anticipated Parliament would only begin the consideration stage before proceedings were concluded. He stressed that such a significant piece of legislation requires wider agreement among stakeholders.

According to him, several development partners and institutions, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and recommendations on the bill prior to its passage, indicating strong international and domestic interest in the outcome of the legislation.

He therefore summoned leadership from both sides of the House for urgent consultations to review the legislative process and determine the most appropriate way forward. He emphasised that the focus should not only be on passing the bill but also on ensuring its effective implementation and public acceptance.

“This is such a critical matter that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not just about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and ensuring it benefits the people,” he stated.

The development follows Parliament’s earlier approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after the House adopted a series of amendments that do not sit well with some minority MPs.

The revised version of the bill includes exemptions for legal practitioners offering advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ, as well as protections for journalists and media organisations reporting on matters related to the course of their professional duties. Medical professionals providing healthcare and counselling services are also exempt from sanctions.

Regardless of the opposition of the Minority Caucus, which argued that the amendments revealed gaps in the earlier version of the bill, Parliament proceeded to pass the legislation, subject to remaining constitutional processes.