Anti-LGBT bill passage on Friday was a surprise to me; the instruction I left behind was for consideration - Alban Bagbin

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin says he was surprised that the House passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 last Friday, because he expected only the consideration stage to begin before he left.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, June 1, Mr. Bagbin said he has summoned leaders from both the Majority and Minority caucuses to discuss the outcome and chart a way forward. He stressed that consensus is key if the law is to be implemented effectively and accepted by the public.

“In fact, when it was passed on Friday, it was even a surprise to me because I knew that they were going to start the consideration of the bill,” he said.

The Speaker noted that several stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and proposals on the bill.

“This is such a critical deal that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and making sure that it benefits the people,” he added.

Parliament passed the bill on Friday after adopting a number of amendments. The revised law exempts lawyers offering legal advice or representation to LGBTQ+ persons from sanctions. Journalists and media houses covering LGBTQ+ issues in their professional duties are also exempt. Medical professionals providing surgical, psychological, or counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons will not be punished under the legislation.

The Minority Caucus opposed the changes, arguing that the amendments suggest the earlier version sent to former President Nana Akufo-Addo had major flaws.

Despite the objections, Parliament approved the bill. It now awaits the remaining constitutional processes.

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