Parliament passes anti-gay bill

Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after its third reading on Friday.

First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor presided over the sitting and gavelled the bill into adoption after lawmakers approved it on the floor of the House.

The legislation criminalises LGBTQ activities in Ghana. However, amendments to the bill exempt legal, media and health professionals who provide services to persons identified as LGBTQ.

The bill was reintroduced in the 9th Parliament after former President Nana Akufo-Addo declined to assent to an earlier version passed by Parliament in 2024.

The latest passage means the bill will now be forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama for presidential assent before it formally becomes law.

Parliament’s approval followed months of renewed debate over the controversial legislation. Earlier in 2026, the Supreme Court dismissed legal challenges seeking to halt the bill, clearing the way for Parliament to continue the legislative process.

Supporters of the bill say it is intended to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values. The legislation received backing from a coalition of faith-based organisations, traditional authorities and lawmakers from both the Majority and Minority sides of the House.

Some Members of Parliament argued during deliberations that the bill reflects the beliefs and moral position of many Ghanaians.

The bill has, however, faced strong criticism from both local and international human rights groups.

Organisations including Human Rights Watch have warned that the legislation could undermine fundamental human rights and freedoms. Critics say the law threatens freedom of expression, association and access to services for affected persons.

Several civil society organisations have also raised concerns about the possible social and economic implications of the legislation if it is signed into law.

Despite the opposition, Parliament proceeded with the passage of the bill after completing all stages required under the legislative process.

Attention is now expected to shift to the Presidency, where President Mahama will likely assent to the bill.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has said that the president had privately assured him he would sign the bill if passed.