PARLIAMENT PASSES AMENDED HUMAN SEXUAL RIGHTS AND FAMILY VALUES BILL 2025

Parliament of Ghana has passed the amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

The legislation, which seeks to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities and related advocacy in Ghana, was approved following the adoption of several amendments that provide exemptions for certain individuals and professional groups.

Under the revised bill, lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ will not be liable to sanctions under the law. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+-related matters in the course of their professional duties are also exempt from punishment.

In addition, healthcare professionals, including medical practitioners, psychologists and counsellors who provide healthcare or counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons, will not face penalties under the legislation.

The Minority Caucus strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that they indicate that the earlier version of the bill, which was previously submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent, contained significant flaws and was not fit for purpose.

Despite these concerns, Parliament proceeded to pass the amended bill.

Background

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has been one of the most debated and controversial pieces of legislation in Ghana in recent years.

The bill was initially introduced to strengthen existing laws relating to same-sex relations and to prohibit the promotion, advocacy, funding and public support of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

Prior to the introduction of the bill, Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act already criminalised what is described as “unnatural carnal knowledge,” a provision that has traditionally been interpreted to include consensual same-sex relations between adults. Proponents of the bill, however, argued that existing laws did not adequately address LGBTQ+ advocacy, public campaigns and related activities.

The legislation was first introduced in Parliament in 2021 as a Private Members’ Bill by Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Sam George, together with co-sponsors from both sides of the House.

The bill received strong support from various religious bodies, traditional authorities and conservative groups, who maintained that it was necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural, religious and family values.

However, the bill also attracted criticism from human rights organisations, legal experts, civil society groups and international bodies, who argued that some of its provisions could infringe on constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms.

The original bill proposed penalties for same-sex relations, LGBTQ+ advocacy and promotion, the formation or funding of LGBTQ+ organisations, public displays of same-sex affection and activities perceived to support LGBTQ+ rights.

Following extensive consultations, committee reviews and parliamentary debates over several years, Parliament first passed the bill in February 2024 and forwarded it to then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.

The President, however, did not immediately sign the bill into law as legal challenges were filed at the Supreme Court questioning both the constitutionality of the bill and the process leading to its passage.

Petitioners argued that certain provisions of the bill violated constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of association and equality before the law. Questions were also raised regarding procedural requirements relating to Private Members’ Bills and possible financial implications of the legislation.

The legal challenges delayed the bill’s progress and prevented it from becoming law.

In 2025, Parliament revisited the legislation and introduced amendments before approving it once again on Friday, 29 May 2026.

The amended bill provides exemptions for lawyers offering legal representation to LGBTQ+ persons, journalists and media houses reporting on LGBTQ+ matters, and healthcare professionals providing medical, psychological or counselling services.

Supporters of the amendments argue that the changes are necessary to protect constitutional rights and professional responsibilities. Opponents, however, maintain that the amendments expose weaknesses in the earlier version of the bill.

With Parliament’s approval secured, the next stage will depend on presidential assent and any further legal or constitutional challenges that may arise.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains one of the most divisive social and political issues in Ghana, attracting strong reactions from religious organisations, political actors, human rights advocates and the international community.