Parliament has passed the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The passage on Friday, May 29, 2026, brings to an end years of public debate over the proposed legislation.
Formally titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, it seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, funding, and the promotion of what it describes as non-conventional sexual relations.
As part of its provisions, the bill proposes penalties for individuals who engage in same-sex relations, as well as sanctions against persons, groups, or organisations accused of promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural, moral, and family values.
Several religious bodies and traditional leaders openly backed the bill throughout parliamentary deliberations, insisting that it reflects the beliefs and values of the majority of Ghanaians.
Critics, however, contend that the legislation could violate constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, association, and protection from discrimination.
In the House, debates intensified following attempts to introduce clauses exempting journalists, media houses, lawyers, doctors, counsellors, and other professionals from sanctions if their work involved LGBTQ-related matters in the normal course of duty.
The proposed amendments sought to protect media practitioners reporting on LGBTQ-related issues, as well as medical and mental health professionals providing services to affected persons.
In opposition, co-sponsor of the bill and Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, alongside Bosome-Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh and other Minority MPs, strongly rejected the changes.
They maintained that such exemptions could create irregularities that might eventually amount to the promotion of LGBTQ+ practices in the country.
