Accra, October 21, 2025 — Parliament of Ghana reconvenes today after a lengthy recess, with some reports suggesting that lawmakers could take up discussions on the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.
According to a report by ClassFMonlin and GhanaWeb, sources within Parliament indicate that the bill may be listed on today’s agenda. However, despite its presence, an actual debate on the proposed legislation remains unlikely.
Rightify Ghana’s monitoring of parliamentary activities shows that the bill has not yet been officially introduced through its First Reading — the procedural step required before it can be debated. Unless a motion for First Reading has been programmed in the Order Paper for today’s sitting, proceedings on the bill are expected to be delayed.
In Ghana’s legislative process, bills typically undergo three readings before passage. Debates usually occur after the Second Reading or during the Consideration Stage, where members deliberate clause by clause. Without a Certificate of Urgency from the Speaker or the President, the process could take months. The previous version of the anti-LGBTQ bill, for instance, took nearly three years and six months to complete this cycle — and was ultimately unsuccessful.
However, if a Certificate of Urgency is issued, Parliament could fast-track the bill’s passage within a single day. At present, there is no confirmation that such a certificate has been granted.
Meanwhile, ClassFMonline reports that the Ninth Parliament, entering its third sitting, will focus on several key legislative items, including the highly publicized Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. Supporters say the proposed law seeks to “define, protect, and regulate human sexual rights” while reinforcing “traditional family values within Ghanaian society.” Critics, however, view it as a renewed attempt to criminalize sexual and gender minorities under the guise of cultural preservation.
Rightify Ghana will continue to monitor proceedings in Parliament and provide timely updates on any developments regarding the bill.
Rightify Ghana 