Ten Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to re-introduce the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, for its first reading in Parliament.
This private member’s bill is sponsored by MPs John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South), Samuel Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram), Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra (Ho West), Helen Adjoa Ntoso (Krachi West), Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni (Nalerigu Gambaga), Vincent Ekow Assafuah (Old Tafo), Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana (Gushegu), Rita Naa Odoley Sowah (Dadekotopon), Dr Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama (Walewale), and Anthony Mmieh (Odotobri).
The bill proposes strict laws against LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
It includes jail sentences for same-sex relationships and public displays of affection, and criminalises the promotion or funding of LGBTQ+ content and organisations.
It also seeks to ban transgender healthcare and dissolve any LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
A previous version of the bill was passed by Parliament in February 2024, but became void after Parliament was dissolved before it could be signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
As a result, the bill must now go through the legislative process again from the beginning.
President John Dramani Mahama has voiced support for the bill’s general intent but believes such legislation should come from the government itself, rather than individual MPs.
If passed, the bill would significantly expand current laws on LGBTQ+ issues and introduce tough penalties for both individuals and organisations.