Parliament revives controversial anti-LGBTQ Bill after five years

Parliament is set to resume consideration of Ghana’s long-running and highly controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, reopening a debate that has deeply divided the nation for nearly five years.

The bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was presented for second reading in the House on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Originally introduced in June 2021 by a bipartisan group of MPs led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George, the legislation seeks to criminalise same-sex sexual relations, LGBTQ advocacy, funding, and related activities.

The bill has had a long and turbulent journey through Parliament. It had its first reading in August 2021 and was referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, which conducted extensive public hearings involving religious leaders, traditional authorities, legal experts, civil society groups, and human rights advocates.

Those hearings sparked a passionate national debate, with supporters insisting the bill is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents argue it is discriminatory and violates constitutional rights.

Parliament passed the bill at the second reading stage in July 2023 and later approved it after the third reading on February 28, 2024. However, it did not receive presidential assent before the dissolution of the Eighth Parliament, as legal challenges were pending at the Supreme Court.

The bill lapsed with the end of the previous Parliament but has now been reintroduced in the Ninth Parliament as a private member’s bill. After satisfying constitutional requirements, it has returned for fresh consideration.

Its reappearance is expected to once again stir strong emotions across the country. While many religious bodies and conservative groups are pushing strongly for its passage, human rights advocates and some civil society organisations continue to raise concerns over its potential impact on individual rights and Ghana’s international image.





NA/MA