By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, Nov. 03, GNA – Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, has cautioned Members of Parliament against attempts to deliberately obstruct the reconsideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the Anti-Gay Bill.
The Speaker, during his remarks on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, said he would publicly identify any lawmakers found to be frustrating the legislative process to enable their constituents to know those opposing the Bill’s reconsideration.
Mr Bagbin stated that Parliament had a constitutional responsibility to reconsider the Bill and ensure that all outstanding legislative procedures were completed in the interest of transparency and accountability.
His remarks come as Parliament resumes work on the Private Member’s Bill, which was laid before the House on June 9, 2025, by Reverend John Ntim Fordjour and other sponsors.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, seeks to provide for human sexual rights, family values and related matters.
According to the memorandum accompanying the Bill, the proposed legislation aims to reflect Ghana’s cultural, religious and social values regarding family life and sexuality.
Supporters of the Bill have argued that it aligns with the beliefs and values of the majority of Ghanaians and responds to calls from traditional and religious institutions for stronger legal protections for family values.
The memorandum cites positions previously expressed by the National House of Chiefs and various faith-based organisations in support of the legislation.
However, some human rights groups and international organisations have raised concerns that certain provisions of the Bill could affect constitutional rights and freedoms, urging lawmakers to strike a balance between cultural values and Ghana’s human rights obligations.
Parliament is expected to subject the Bill to further scrutiny in accordance with established legislative procedures before a final decision is taken by the House.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Email: [email protected]