MPs Samuel Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram) and John Ntim Fordjour (Assin South) have led the reintroduction of the contentious Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly known as the anti-LGBT+ bill, into Parliament for its first reading.
The private member’s bill is also being sponsored by MPs 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).
If passed, the legislation would impose strict restrictions on LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, including criminalising same-sex relationships, banning public displays of affection, restricting promotion of LGBTQ+ content, outlawing transgender healthcare, dissolving LGBTQ+ organisations, and penalising those who support or sponsor such groups.
Similar version of the bill was approved by Parliament in February 2024 but became null after the dissolution of the previous House, preventing assent by then-President Nana Akufo-Addo. This reintroduction marks a fresh start for the legislative process.
President John Dramani Mahama has signaled support for the principle underlying the legislation but stressed that such laws are better initiated through the government rather than as a private member’s bill.
The reintroduction of the bill marks a renewed parliamentary push to strengthen existing laws on LGBTQ+ activities, with significant legal and social implications for those affected.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
