Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has issued a warning to Members of Parliament against deliberately obstructing efforts to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the Anti-Gay Bill. Addressing the House on Tuesday, November 3, Mr Bagbin stated that he would publicly name lawmakers found to be frustrating the process. This move aims to inform constituents about the MPs responsible for delaying the Bill's reconsideration.
The warning comes as Parliament resumes consideration of the Private Member’s Bill, introduced on June 9, 2025, by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour and other sponsors. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to establish provisions relating to human sexual rights, family values, and other related matters. Its accompanying memorandum states that the proposed law reflects Ghana’s cultural, religious, and social values on family life and sexuality.
The Bill's sponsors and advocates maintain that it represents the beliefs of the majority of Ghanaians and responds to demands by traditional authorities and religious organisations for stronger legal safeguards for family values. The memorandum references positions taken by the National House of Chiefs and various faith-based organisations in support of the Bill. This has sparked a debate on the balance between Ghana's cultural and social values and its human rights obligations.
However, human rights groups and some international organisations have expressed concerns that certain provisions of the Bill could infringe on constitutional rights and freedoms. They have called for Parliament to consider Ghana’s human rights obligations alongside the country's cultural and social values. This has created a challenging environment for the Bill's reconsideration.
Parliament has a constitutional obligation to revisit the proposed legislation and complete all outstanding procedures in a transparent and accountable manner. Speaker Bagbin emphasised the importance of upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in the reconsideration process. The House is expected to undergo further scrutiny in line with established legislative procedures.
The Speaker's warning to name obstructing MPs demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the reconsideration process is not unduly delayed. By taking this stance, Speaker Bagbin aims to promote accountability and transparency within the House. This move is likely to have significant implications for the MPs and the Bill's reconsideration.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is expected to undergo further parliamentary scrutiny before the House takes a final decision. The outcome of this process will have significant implications for Ghana's human rights landscape and its cultural and social values. Key stakeholders will be watching closely as the Bill's reconsideration unfolds.
Key points
- Speaker Bagbin will publicly name MPs found to be obstructing the reconsideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
- The Bill's reconsideration has sparked a debate on the balance between Ghana's cultural and social values and its human rights obligations.
- Parliament has a constitutional obligation to revisit the proposed legislation and complete all outstanding procedures in a transparent and accountable manner.
