Ghana Parliament Passes Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Again
Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, a controversial piece of legislation widely referred to as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. The bill was approved on May 29, 2026, after lawmakers voted in favor of its provisions during parliamentary proceedings in Accra.
The legislation seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, funding, sponsorship, and promotion within the West African nation. It retains penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for same-sex sexual acts and introduces additional prison terms ranging from three to five years for individuals accused of promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.
The bill also includes provisions requiring citizens to report prohibited acts to authorities, with penalties for those who fail to do so.
This marks the second time Ghanaian lawmakers have passed similar legislation. An earlier version was approved in 2024 but never became law after facing legal challenges and failing to receive presidential assent before the end of the parliamentary term.
The renewed bill was reintroduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and has now successfully passed through Parliament once again.
Supporters of the bill, including several religious and traditional groups, argue that it protects Ghanaian cultural values and family structures. They maintain that the legislation reflects the beliefs and moral principles of the majority of Ghanaians.
However, the bill has attracted strong criticism from human rights organizations and international advocacy groups, which argue that it infringes on fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, privacy, association, and protection from discrimination.
Critics have also warned that the legislation could further marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals and negatively affect Ghana’s international reputation.
Reports indicate that amendments were introduced before passage, exempting lawyers providing legal representation and journalists reporting on LGBTQ-related issues from prosecution under certain circumstances.
The bill will now be forwarded to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who will decide whether to sign it into law or withhold assent. His decision is expected to draw significant attention both within Ghana and internationally.
