Parliament is set to consider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, after Speaker Alban Bagbin directed the Business Committee to schedule it for presentation to the House.
The Speaker issued the directive on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following a determination that the bill has satisfied all procedural and constitutional requirements under Parliament’s Standing Orders.
“The bill has gone through all the necessary processes in accordance with the Standing Orders of the House. I therefore direct that the Business Committee schedules the bill to be presented to the House for consideration,” Speaker Bagbin stated in a formal communication to Parliament.
The directive follows submission of a Financial Impact Analysis report, which concluded the bill will not impose any financial burden on the Consolidated Fund, a constitutional requirement under Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution for legislation to proceed.
Nine Members of Parliament (MPs) indicated their intention to reintroduce the bill, including Sam Nartey George, Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Helen Ntoso, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, and Anthony Mmieh.
The bill had been passed by the Eighth Parliament on February 28, 2024, but lapsed following the dissolution of that Parliament when it did not receive presidential assent.
Following the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament, Speaker Bagbin referred the bill to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice on January 28, 2025, for review. The Attorney-General’s Office submitted its observations on April 7, 2025, which were forwarded to the bill’s sponsors.
The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) advocacy and engagement, with proposed penalties ranging from six months to ten years imprisonment for various offences.
The legislation has generated significant public debate since its initial introduction in 2021, with supporters citing cultural and traditional values, while critics raise concerns about human rights implications.
President John Dramani Mahama has indicated support for the principle of the legislation but previously suggested preference for it to be introduced as a government bill rather than a private member’s bill.
The Business Committee will now determine the specific date when the bill will be formally presented and debated by lawmakers.
