Ghana's Parliament has, for the second time, passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill.

It will be recalled that in 2024, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated that assent to the anti-LGBT+ bill would be put on hold pending the determination of a case before the Supreme Court.

This followed the bill’s initial passage by Parliament on February 28, 2024, under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration. The bill was not assented to before the end of the parliamentary term.

The revised legislation, which was reintroduced and passed again in Parliament on Friday, May 29, 2026, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ activities and includes new amendments that exempt certain individuals and institutions from sanctions under the law.

Under the amended provisions, individuals who provide legal advice or legal representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not be liable to punishment.

The bill also exempts journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues or covering such matters in the course of their professional duties.

No Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill was presented to Akufo-Addo - Jinapor insists

In addition, medical professionals, including those offering surgical, psychological, and counselling services to LGBTQ persons, will not be penalised under the law.

Prior to the passage, the Minority Caucus strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that they suggest the original version of the bill submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent was flawed and not fit for purpose.

Despite the Minority’s objections, Parliament proceeded to pass the bill.

The bill will now be transmitted to the President’s desk for assent.



MA