Anti-LGBTQ+ bill will be passed after review - Bagbin assures Ghanaians

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has assured Ghanaians that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill will be passed into law following a second consideration of the legislation to address errors identified in the version previously approved by Parliament.

He said the bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, would be reconsidered when Parliament resumes its next sitting, emphasising the need for broad national consensus on the legislation.

Speaking at the ongoing IPR Ghana 2026 National PR Conference and Excellence Awards in Koforidua, Bagbin explained that the initial passage of the bill occurred in his absence and was rushed, prompting him to call for a review of the process.

“When the law was rushed through at the last minute at my back, I came out and said no way, this bill must go through as a consensus bill. We don’t want partisanship in it. It is for everybody. It means a lot to Ghanaians,” he said.

The Speaker disclosed that Parliament had identified errors in the bill, particularly in some amendments introduced at the last minute. He said these would be addressed during the second consideration before the legislative process proceeds.

“We have identified a few mistakes, most of the last-minute amendments, and therefore the next meeting will come back for a second consideration, and we’ll pass it,” he stated.

Bagbin also expressed confidence that the legislation would become law during his tenure as Speaker, reiterating his commitment to ensuring its passage.

“When we are no longer there, you can do what you want to do. But so far as we continue to exist, that law will be the law of the land. You can do whatever you want after I’m gone,” he added.

The Speaker further commended the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, for his role in the parliamentary debate on the bill, saying his contribution had made Ghana proud.

The proposed legislation has generated considerable public debate, with discussions centred on its provisions and implications for human rights, Ghanaian family values and the protection of fundamental freedoms.