Bagbin calls for reconsideration of anti-gay bill, cites procedural concerns
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has called on Parliament to revisit and repass the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, warning that concerns surrounding the legislative process could undermine public confidence in the law and expose it to future legal challenges.
In a statement delivered to the House following the passage of the Bill on May 29, 2026, the Speaker stressed that while he remains fully supportive of efforts to uphold Ghanaian family values and cultural norms, Parliament must ensure that legislation of such national significance is passed in strict compliance with constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
Mr. Bagbin commended the bipartisan sponsors of the Bill, members of the committee that considered it, and the traditional, religious and civil society leaders whose advocacy helped bring the legislation before Parliament.
“The Bill addresses matters that touch deeply on the moral convictions, cultural values, constitutional principles and social aspirations of our nation,” he noted.
However, the Speaker expressed concern over the manner in which the final stages of the Bill were conducted, particularly regarding compliance with provisions of Parliament’s Standing Orders governing amendments, consideration and third reading of bills.
According to him, questions have emerged over whether Members of Parliament had adequate access to the final amended version of the Bill before it was read a third time and passed.
He cited Orders 170, 171 and 172 of the Standing Orders, which require that amendments adopted during the consideration stage be accurately incorporated into a bill and made available to Members before the third reading. The rules also provide an opportunity for further consideration of amendments and require at least one sitting day to elapse between the consideration stage and the third reading, unless the House expressly suspends the relevant orders.
Mr. Bagbin noted that although Parliament possesses the authority to suspend its Standing Orders, no such suspension occurred during proceedings on the Bill.
“The purpose underlying these provisions is clear. They exist to ensure that Members are afforded a meaningful opportunity to know with certainty the exact text of a Bill upon which they are called to take a final legislative decision,” he stated.
The Speaker also referred to concerns raised by some Members that amendments adopted during consideration did not reflect the unanimous position originally recommended by the committee that examined the Bill.
While refraining from determining the merits of the complaints, Mr. Bagbin said the issues raised go to the heart of parliamentary consensus, transparency and public trust in the legislative process.
He further observed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has attracted international attention and that Parliament’s handling of the legislation must be capable of withstanding constitutional scrutiny.
“The eye of the world is upon this Parliament. What we do here must be able to withstand any legal and constitutional challenges that are sure to come,” he said.
Calling for a bipartisan approach, the Speaker urged Members to rely on parliamentary procedures and conventions to revisit the legislation and repass it in a manner that commands broad support across the House.
According to him, revisiting the Bill should not be viewed as an abandonment of its objectives but rather as an affirmation of Parliament’s commitment to due process, transparency, consensus-building and legislative certainty.
“What is right must be done rightly,” he emphasised.
Mr Bagbin appealed to Members to carefully reflect on the concerns raised and consider revisiting the third reading to allow for a reconsideration of the final text and any amendments incorporated into the Bill.
He expressed confidence that Parliament would approach the matter with wisdom, patriotism and a shared commitment to preserving the integrity of Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to prohibit and criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy and funding in Ghana and has been one of the most widely debated pieces of legislation in the country’s recent history.
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