Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee is nearing the end of its review of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, with lawmakers indicating that the proposed legislation remains substantially the same as the version passed in 2024.
The Committee has completed clause-by-clause consideration of 16 out of the Bill’s 19 provisions, leaving only a few sections—primarily those related to repeal, interpretation, and ministerial oversight—yet to be finalised. Deliberations are expected to continue at the Committee’s next sitting.
Speaking during proceedings, Committee Chairman Mahama Shaibu assured stakeholders that the review process is being conducted with caution and diligence to safeguard the rights of all citizens. He emphasized that discussions were structured to allow input on specific clauses rather than broad debate.
“No individual Ghanaian’s rights will be infringed upon,” he stated, noting that existing laws have been taken into account to ensure a comprehensive and balanced review.
Co-sponsor of the bill and Deputy Ranking Member, Sam Nartey George, reiterated that the current draft is “99% unchanged” from the earlier version passed by Parliament. According to him, aside from minor updates, nearly all provisions have been retained.
“Apart from the dates, practically every provision has been maintained,” he said, expressing confidence that the bill reflects the will of the majority.
The Committee also revisited the legislative history of the bill, highlighting that although it was passed in February 2024, it did not receive presidential assent despite surviving legal challenges. Members acknowledged constitutional provisions on human rights but maintained that such rights are not absolute and may be limited in the public interest.
Lawmakers indicated that stakeholder consultations have led to clarifications in several contentious areas. These include provisions relating to intersex individuals, which sponsors insist are not intended to be criminalised. Concerns surrounding media freedoms, as well as issues of adoption and foster care, were also addressed during discussions.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ advocacy, funding, and related activities, while also prohibiting same-sex unions. Since its introduction in 2021, the bill has generated significant debate both domestically and internationally.
With the review process nearing completion, proponents are hopeful the bill will be passed before the end of the current parliamentary session and subsequently presented to the president for assent.
