Els: MBN360 News
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, on Tuesday directed the Business Committee to schedule the reintroduction of the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, for consideration by lawmakers.
Bagbin said the proposed legislation complies with constitutional and procedural requirements under Parliament’s Standing Orders, clearing the way for it to be formally presented to the House.
“I therefore direct that the bill be scheduled by the Business Committee to be presented to the House for consideration,” he told parliament.
The Speaker said Standing Order 187(2) requires him to determine whether a private member’s bill is consistent with Article 108 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which restricts parliament from introducing legislation that imposes a charge on public funds without executive approval.
After reviewing reports from the Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Private Members’ Motions, Bagbin said he had formed the opinion that the bill does not impose taxation or a charge on the Consolidated Fund.
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The legislation was first introduced in August 2021 and passed by Ghana’s Eighth Parliament in February 2024 but did not receive presidential assent. It subsequently lapsed upon the dissolution of that parliament.
Following the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament, the Speaker referred the bill to the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice for review. Observations from the Attorney-General’s office were later forwarded to the bill’s sponsors.
Nine lawmakers subsequently indicated their intention to reintroduce the bill.
The proposed law has drawn significant domestic and international attention, with supporters arguing it seeks to uphold what they describe as family values, while critics say it would infringe on human rights.
Parliament is expected to schedule debate on the bill in the coming days.
