By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, June 2, GNA – The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Bagbin, has summoned the leadership of both the Majority and Minority Caucuses for urgent discussions following Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025.
The meeting is expected to review the process leading to the passage of the Bill and determine the way forward.
Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps at Parliament House on Monday, June 1, Mr Bagbin said the passage of the Bill caught him off guard, as he had expected the House to only begin the consideration stage before his departure from the Chamber.
“This is such a critical deal that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and making sure that it benefits the people,” he stated.
The Speaker emphasised that public acceptance and effective implementation of the legislation would require broad agreement across the political divide and engagement with key stakeholders.
He noted that a wide range of stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations (UN), submitted memoranda and proposals during the legislative process.
Parliament passed the Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, after approving a number of amendments.
The revised legislation exempts lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ, journalists and media organisations reporting on related issues in the course of their duties, and medical professionals offering surgical, psychological or counselling services.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus opposed the amendments, arguing that they exposed inconsistencies in the version previously submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.
Despite the objections, the House approved the Bill.
The legislation will now undergo the remaining constitutional processes before it becomes law.
Mr Bagbin reiterated the need for consensus-building going forward.
“It’s not about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and making sure that it benefits the people.”
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Elsie Appiah-Osei
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