Parliament has re-passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill after years of national debate and extensive public engagement on the controversial legislation.
The bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, seeks to criminalize same-sex relations, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and activities considered to promote non-traditional sexual practices and family structures.
Originally introduced in June 2021 by a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George, the bill underwent its first reading in August 2021 before being referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for further consideration.
The committee subsequently organized public consultations involving religious leaders, traditional authorities, legal experts, civil society groups, and human rights organizations. The consultations generated widespread public discussion both within Ghana and internationally.
Supporters of the legislation argue that the bill is intended to preserve Ghana’s cultural, religious, and social values. Several religious organizations and traditional leaders publicly backed the legislation throughout the parliamentary process.
Opponents, however, have expressed concerns over the potential impact of some provisions on constitutional rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, association, and protection from discrimination. International human rights organizations and some legal experts have also raised concerns about the bill’s implications.
Debate intensified during the final stages of consideration as lawmakers disagreed over proposed amendments relating to journalists, healthcare professionals, counselors, and media organizations. Some Members of Parliament proposed exemptions for professionals whose work could be interpreted as facilitating or discussing LGBTQ+ issues in the course of their duties.
However, sponsors of the bill and supporting lawmakers opposed the amendments, arguing that such exemptions could weaken the enforcement of the legislation.
Under the bill, penalties are prescribed for individuals engaged in same-sex relations, as well as for persons or groups accused of promoting or funding LGBTQ+ activities.
Parliament first passed the bill in February 2024 during the previous administration. However, the legislation did not receive presidential assent before the expiration of the eighth Parliament. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo had delayed action on the bill pending the outcome of constitutional challenges filed at the Supreme Court, resulting in the bill lapsing and requiring its reintroduction in the current Parliament.
The re-passed bill now awaits presidential approval before it can become law.
