GHANA PARLIAMENT FAST-TRACKS CONTROVERSIAL ANTI-LGBTQ+ BILL DESPITE MINORITY BACKLASH

GHANA PARLIAMENT FAST-TRACKS CONTROVERSIAL ANTI-LGBTQ+ BILL DESPITE MINORITY BACKLASH

In a swift and highly charged legislative move, Ghana’s Parliament has officially passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025. Commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, the legislation now moves to the president’s desk for final assent after lawmakers bypassed standard waiting periods to secure its passage.

Parliament Bypasses Standing Orders for Immediate Vote

The final phase of the bill’s journey was marked by a rapid procedural acceleration. Members of Parliament successfully moved a motion to suspend Standing Order 172(1)-a rule that typically mandates a designated waiting period between a bill’s consideration stage and its third reading.

By clearing this procedural hurdle, the House immediately pushed the legislation forward, culminating in its formal third reading and subsequent passage by the full House.

Strict Penalties and Key Exemptions

Designed to heavily restrict LGBTQ+ advocacy and relationships within the country, the bill criminalizes:

• Identified LGBTQ+ activities.

• The promotion, advocacy, and funding of LGBTQ+ rights.

• Violations that carry potential prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 5 years.

However, the final version of the bill features critical amendments aimed at shielding specific professional sectors from prosecution. Under these newly integrated exemptions:

• Legal Counsel: Lawyers providing legal representation to LGBTQ+ individuals will not face sanctions.

• Media Practitioners: Journalists are protected when reporting on LGBTQ+ issues as part of their official duties.

• Medical Professionals: Providers offering surgical, psychological, or counseling services are entirely excluded from the bill’s penalties.

Minority Caucus Outraged

The inclusion of these protective amendments sparked fierce debate on the parliament floor. The Minority Caucus voiced vehement opposition to the changes, arguing that the exemptions dilute the legislation and declaring that the amended bill is ultimately “not fit for purpose.”

The bill now awaits a decision on presidential assent, a pivotal moment that will determine whether it officially passes into law.

Credit to City news