The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has called for a reconsideration of the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following concerns over the process leading to its approval.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 2, Bagbin directed leadership of both the Majority and Minority caucuses to engage in further consultations aimed at building broader consensus on the controversial legislation, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
The Speaker expressed surprise that the bill had been fully passed by Parliament on Friday, May 29. According to him, he had expected that the House would only begin the consideration stage of the bill before proceedings were concluded.
“This is such a critical matter that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not just about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and ensuring it benefits the people,” Bagbin stated.
He emphasized that legislation of such national importance requires wider stakeholder engagement to ensure both public acceptance and effective implementation.
Bagbin further revealed that several development partners and international institutions, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and recommendations on the bill prior to its passage. This, he noted, highlights the significant domestic and international interest in the outcome of the legislation.
In response to these concerns, the Speaker has summoned leadership from both sides of the House for urgent discussions to review the legislative process and determine the most appropriate way forward.
The development comes shortly after Parliament approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following the adoption of a series of amendments.
The revised bill includes exemptions for legal practitioners providing services to individuals identified as LGBTQ, as well as protections for journalists and media organisations reporting on related issues. Medical professionals offering healthcare and counselling services are also exempt from sanctions under the law.
Despite strong opposition from the Minority caucus, which argued that the amendments exposed flaws in the earlier version of the bill, Parliament proceeded to pass the legislation. The bill now awaits the completion of remaining constitutional processes.
The renewed push for review signals ongoing divisions within Parliament and underscores the broader national debate surrounding the proposed law.
