Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called a meeting of parliamentary leadership following the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, stressing the need for a broad consensus to ensure the law can be effectively implemented and accepted by the public.
According to him, he was surprised by Parliament’s decision to pass the bill on Friday, explaining that he had expected lawmakers to begin only the consideration stage before he left the chamber.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, June 1, he said numerous stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and recommendations on the proposed legislation
“In fact, when it was passed on Friday, it was even a surprise to me because I knew that they were going to start the consideration of the bill,” he said.
Bagbin disclosed that he has invited leaders of both the Majority and Minority caucuses to discuss the circumstances surrounding the bill’s passage and agree on the next steps.
“This is such a critical deal that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and making sure that it benefits the people,” he added.
Parliament on Friday passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after approving several amendments.
Under the revised legislation, lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ are exempt from sanctions. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues in the course of their professional duties are also protected from punishment.
The bill further exempts medical professionals who provide surgical, psychological, counselling or related healthcare services to LGBTQ persons from sanctions.
The Minority Caucus opposed the amendments, arguing that they exposed significant shortcomings in the earlier version of the bill that had been submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.
