Anti-gay rhetoric angers Ghanaian parliament speaker and sparks controversy

Written by: Ayman Ragab

The Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, Alban Bagben, has called for a review of the recently passed Human Rights, Sexuality and Family Values Bill 2025, citing concerns about the legislative process that led to its approval and stressing the need for a broader consensus on this controversial measure.

The law relating to sexual rights and family values stipulates a penalty of up to three years in prison for people who engage in homosexual relations, and between three and five years for the deliberate promotion, sponsorship or support of LGBTQ+ activities.

It's not just about passing the law.

Speaking on Tuesday, June 2, Bagbin directed the leadership of both the majority and minority blocs to hold further consultations on the bill, widely known as the anti-gay and transgender bill, to ensure broader agreement between lawmakers and stakeholders.

In a video posted online by ChannelOne TV, the Speaker of Parliament revealed that he was surprised to learn that Parliament had passed the bill in its entirety on Friday, May 29, explaining that he had expected lawmakers to only begin the process of considering the legislation before concluding the proceedings.

“This is such an important issue that we believe a consensus must be reached… It is not just about passing the law; it is about implementing it and ensuring that the people benefit from it,” Bagbin stated.

According to him, legislation of national importance should not only receive parliamentary approval, but should also have broad public support to ensure effective implementation.

Bagbin stressed the need for increased stakeholder engagement, particularly given the sensitive nature of the bill and the intense public debate surrounding it both within Ghana and internationally.

He also revealed that several development partners and international institutions, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and recommendations on the proposed law before its adoption.

Urgent discussions

According to the Speaker of Parliament, these interventions confirm the level of local and international attention the legislation has received, and highlight the need for legislators to carefully consider all viewpoints before proceeding.

In response to the concerns raised, Bagbin announced that he had summoned leaders from both sides of the House of Representatives for urgent discussions aimed at reviewing the legislative process and determining the most appropriate way forward.

This development comes days after Parliament approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, following the adoption of a series of amendments to the proposed legislation.

The amended bill includes exceptions for legal practitioners who provide professional services to LGBTQ+ individuals. It also provides protection for journalists and media organizations covering LGBTQ+ issues.

Similarly, medical practitioners who provide healthcare, counseling, and professional support services to individuals affected by issues covered by the legislation are exempt from the penalties contained in the bill.

Weaknesses and contradictions

Despite strong objections from members of the minority bloc, who argued that the amendments revealed weaknesses and inconsistencies in the previous draft of the legislation, Parliament proceeded to pass the bill.

Minority lawmakers asserted that changes introduced during deliberations demonstrated that important aspects of the original proposal required further scrutiny and improvement.

However, the House of Representatives adopted the amended provisions and approved the legislation, which now awaits the completion of the remaining constitutional procedures before it becomes law.