Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely referred to as the anti-gay bill, following heated debate and the adoption of new amendments.
The legislation seeks to criminalise LGBTQ activities in Ghana, but the amended version introduces exemptions for certain individuals and institutions.
Under the revised provisions, lawyers who offer legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not face sanctions under the law.
Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters or current affairs as part of their professional duties are also exempt from punishment.
Additionally, medical professionals — including doctors, psychologists, counsellors, and surgeons providing healthcare services to LGBTQ persons — will not be penalised.
The Minority Caucus strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that they expose flaws in the original version of the bill that was previously submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.
Despite the objections raised by the Minority, Parliament proceeded to pass the bill.
