Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called on lawmakers handling the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, to speed up work on the controversial legislation and present it to the House before the current parliamentary session comes to an end.

Addressing Parliament as sittings resumed, Bagbin stressed the importance of the bill and urged the committee in charge to complete its work to allow debate and possible passage of the proposed law.

“In view of the significance of the bill and the need to advance the legislative process, I urge the committee to present its report for consideration and passage by the House before the end of this meeting,” he told Parliament upon the resumption of sittings.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has remained one of the most debated issues in Ghana’s recent political discourse.

While many religious groups and traditional leaders have openly backed the legislation, arguing that it reflects Ghanaian cultural and family values, human rights advocates; some international organisations have criticised it over concerns on discrimination and civil liberties.

Bagbin acknowledged growing public frustration over delays in the bill’s progress, stating that Parliament was aware of the increasing interest surrounding the matter.

“Parliament has also taken note of the concerns recently expressed by sections of the public and various stakeholders regarding the delay,” he said.

According to the Speaker, the committee responsible for the bill has already completed consultations and public hearings with stakeholders, paving the way for the next stage of parliamentary consideration.

The latest directive from Bagbin signals renewed determination by the current Parliament to revisit the legislation after an earlier version failed to become law before the dissolution of the previous House.

That earlier bill stalled after former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo did not assent to it before the expiration of the last parliamentary term.

The bill continues to generate strong debate across the country, with supporters insisting it protects Ghana’s moral and social fabric, while critics warn it could undermine constitutional freedoms and the rights of minority groups.

NA/VPO