Parliament has been directed to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following renewed consultations aimed at building broader consensus on the controversial legislation.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, on Tuesday, June 2, called for further engagement between the Majority and Minority leadership after concerns emerged regarding the process leading to the bill’s passage.
The directive follows Parliament’s approval of the bill on Friday, May 29, after the House adopted a series of amendments to the proposed legislation, popularly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Addressing the House, Mr. Bagbin expressed surprise that the bill had been fully passed, explaining that he had expected Parliament to begin only the consideration stage before proceedings concluded.
According to him, legislation of such national significance requires wider consultation and agreement among stakeholders.
“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,” he stated.
The Speaker disclosed that several institutions and development partners, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and recommendations concerning the bill before its passage, highlighting both local and international interest in the legislation.
He subsequently summoned leadership from both sides of the House for urgent consultations to review the legislative process and determine the most appropriate way forward.
The revised version of the bill contains amendments that exempt legal practitioners who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ.
It also protects journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters in the course of their professional duties, while medical professionals offering healthcare and counselling services are similarly exempt from sanctions.
Despite opposition from the Minority Caucus, which argued that the amendments exposed weaknesses in the earlier version of the bill, Parliament proceeded with its passage, subject to the remaining constitutional processes required before it can become law.
