Parliament passes anti-LGBTQ bill

Parliament has approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, following debates and amendments to some of its provisions.

The legislation seeks to criminalise LGBTQ-related activities in Ghana but now includes exemptions for certain professional groups and institutions.

Under the revised provisions, lawyers offering legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not face sanctions under the law. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues as part of their professional duties are also exempt from punishment.

Additionally, healthcare professionals providing medical, surgical, psychological or counselling services to LGBTQ individuals will not be penalised under the legislation.

The amendments faced strong resistance from the Minority Caucus, which argued that the changes suggest the earlier version of the bill submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent was inadequate.

Despite the objections raised by Minority members, Parliament proceeded to pass the bill with the amended provisions intact.