Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-gay bill.
The legislation, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ activities, was passed with new amendments exempting certain individuals and institutions from sanctions under the law.
Under the amendments, individuals who provide legal advice or legal representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not be subject to punishment.
The bill also exempts journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues or current affairs in the course of their professional duties. In addition, medical professionals, including those providing surgical, psychological and counselling services to LGBTQ persons, will not be penalised under the law.
The Minority Caucus strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that they suggest the original version of the bill submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent was flawed and not fit for purpose.
Despite the Minority’s objections, Parliament passed the bill.
Background
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill is one of the most controversial pieces of legislation in Ghana’s recent history. It was introduced in Parliament to strengthen existing laws against same-sex relations and prohibit the promotion, advocacy and funding of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.
Before the introduction of the bill, Ghana already had laws criminalising same-sex sexual relations. Section 104 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act criminalises what the law describes as “unnatural carnal knowledge,” which has long been interpreted to include consensual same-sex relations between adults.
However, supporters of the bill argued that the existing laws were inadequate because they did not directly address LGBTQ+ advocacy, public campaigns, funding or activism.
The bill was first introduced in Parliament in 2021 as a private members’ bill by a group of lawmakers led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George, together with several co-sponsors from both the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament.
The legislation gained support from some religious groups, traditional leaders and conservative organisations, who argued that it was necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural, religious and family values. Supporters of the bill insisted that Ghana should resist what they described as growing international pressure to accept LGBTQ+ rights.
The original version of the bill proposed strict penalties for:
- Same-sex sexual relations
- LGBTQ+ advocacy and promotion
- Formation or funding of LGBTQ+ groups
- Public displays of same-sex affection
- Media or educational content perceived to support LGBTQ+ rights
The bill also proposed penalties for individuals or organisations accused of promoting LGBTQ+ activities.
The legislation quickly sparked intense national and international debate. Religious organisations, including the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Christian Council, Pentecostal and Charismatic groups, and some Islamic organisations, openly backed the bill.
On the other hand, human rights groups, legal experts, civil society organisations and international bodies criticised the legislation, arguing that it violated constitutional freedoms and fundamental human rights. Several foreign governments, international NGOs and global human rights organisations also expressed concern over the proposed law, warning that it could damage Ghana’s international image and democratic reputation.
At various stages of debate, concerns emerged that the bill could affect Ghana’s relations with international development partners. In 2023 and 2024, reports suggested that some international financial institutions and donor partners were closely monitoring developments surrounding the legislation. Some analysts warned that passage of the bill could affect foreign investment, aid relationships and Ghana’s access to international support programmes.
The bill went through committee review, stakeholder consultations and several parliamentary debates over multiple years. Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee received memoranda from religious bodies, legal practitioners, academics, civil society organisations and members of the public.
Debates largely centred on constitutional rights, freedom of expression, family values, religious beliefs and Ghana’s international obligations.
In February 2024, Parliament first passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. The legislation was then expected to be forwarded to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.
However, the President did not immediately sign the bill into law. Legal challenges were subsequently filed at the Supreme Court questioning both the constitutionality of the legislation and the process surrounding its passage.
The legal actions delayed presidential assent.
Some individuals and groups petitioned the Supreme Court, arguing that parts of the bill violated constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, association and equality before the law. There were also arguments over whether Parliament had followed the proper constitutional procedures in passing the bill, particularly concerning financial implications and private members’ bills.
The court cases became a major obstacle to the bill becoming law.
In 2025, Parliament reconsidered the legislation and introduced amendments before passing it again today, Friday, May 29, 2026.
The revised version introduced exemptions for:
- Lawyers offering legal representation to LGBTQ+ persons
- Journalists and media houses reporting on LGBTQ+ issues
- Medical and mental health professionals providing healthcare or counselling services
Supporters of the amendments argued that they were necessary to protect constitutional rights and professional responsibilities. However, some members of the Minority opposed the changes, arguing that they suggested the earlier version of the bill had flaws.
Parliament has now passed the amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. The next major step will depend on presidential assent and any possible legal or constitutional challenges that may follow.
The bill remains one of the most divisive social and political issues in Ghana, generating strong reactions from religious groups, politicians, rights advocates and the international community.
