Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament who may attempt to frustrate efforts to revive and secure the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. The bill, widely referred to as the anti LGBTQ+ Bill, has been a subject of controversy and debate in Ghana. Bagbin stated that he will publicly disclose the identities of any MPs who try to block the bill's passage.
The Speaker made these comments when Parliament resumed sitting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. He reaffirmed his determination to ensure that the legislation returns to the floor of the House for further consideration and that all outstanding parliamentary procedures are completed to facilitate its passage. Bagbin explained that he will operate within established parliamentary rules and procedures to facilitate a motion seeking to overturn Parliament's previous decision at the third reading stage.
The objective, according to Bagbin, is to complete the outstanding legislative processes and secure the bill's passage before the conclusion of the current parliamentary meeting. He emphasized that any member who deliberately interferes with the process will be held publicly accountable for their conduct. The responsibility, he added, ultimately rests on the conscience of individual parliamentarians.
The latest development comes against the background of unresolved legislative complications surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The bill was approved by the previous Parliament but was never forwarded to the Presidency for presidential assent after Bagbin identified errors in the legislation. The Speaker has subsequently maintained that certain deficiencies within the proposed law must first be addressed.
However, despite Bagbin's determination to facilitate the bill's revival, he cannot independently initiate a motion to rescind the House's earlier decision at the third reading stage. Under parliamentary procedure, the motion must be formally introduced by a Member of Parliament before the House can consider whether to reverse its previous resolution.
Majority Leader James Agalga has indicated that the controversial legislation will feature in Parliament's business during the current meeting. He has also assured proponents of the bill that President John Dramani Mahama would assent to it if Parliament successfully passes the legislation. Parliament is consequently expected to consider a proposed motion seeking to rescind its earlier decision at the third reading stage.
The unfolding parliamentary proceedings are likely to determine whether the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, can overcome its previous legislative setbacks and progress towards another parliamentary approval and eventual presidential consideration. The bill's passage has been a subject of interest and debate among various stakeholders in Ghana.
Key points
- Speaker Bagbin will publicly name MPs who try to block the passage of the anti LGBTQ+ Bill.
- The bill was approved by the previous Parliament but was never forwarded to the Presidency due to errors identified by Bagbin.
- President John Dramani Mahama is expected to assent to the bill if Parliament successfully passes it.
