Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has urged lawmakers handling the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, to conclude work on the proposed legislation and present it for consideration before the current parliamentary session ends.

Alban Bagbin said the bill remains a matter of significant public interest and called on the committee responsible for the legislation to expedite the process.

“In view of the significance of the bill and the need to advance the legislative process, I urge the committee to present its report for consideration and passage by the House before the end of this meeting,” he told Parliament upon the resumption of sittings.

The proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has been one of the country’s most contentious pieces of legislation, drawing strong support from some religious organisations and traditional leaders while facing criticism from human rights groups and some international organisations.

Bagbin said Parliament had taken note of public concerns over delays in the bill’s passage and acknowledged growing expectations surrounding the legislation.

“Parliament has also taken note of the concerns recently expressed by sections of the public and various stakeholders regarding the delay,” he said.

According to the Speaker, the committee responsible for the bill has completed public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, potentially clearing the way for the next stage of parliamentary debate.

The latest comments reinforce earlier signals from parliamentary leadership that the current legislature intends to revisit and advance the bill after an earlier version failed to become law before the dissolution of the previous Parliament.

The previous bill was not enacted after former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo did not assent to it before the end of the parliamentary term.

The issue remains politically sensitive in Ghana, where supporters of the bill argue it reflects cultural and social values, while opponents have raised concerns over constitutional rights and potential implications for civil liberties.