The Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has expressed surprise at the passage of the country’s controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation, saying he expected lawmakers to only begin detailed consideration of the bill before its approval.

Bagbin said he has summoned parliamentary leadership for urgent discussions on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, to build consensus on its implementation.

“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 told journalists on Monday.

He said he had expected a longer legislative process involving continued debate and stakeholder input, noting that development partners and international organisations, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda on the proposed law.

The Speaker said he had invited both Majority and Minority leaders to a meeting to review the passage of the bill and determine the way forward.

“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,” he said.

The bill was passed by Parliament on Friday after the adoption of several amendments, despite objections from Minority lawmakers.

The revised legislation includes exemptions for legal practitioners offering advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ, as well as journalists and media organisations reporting on related issues in the course of their duties.

Medical professionals providing surgical, psychological or counselling services are also exempt under the amended provisions.

Minority lawmakers argued that the amendments suggested inconsistencies in earlier versions of the bill and raised concerns about the legislative process.

Following its passage, the bill now moves through remaining constitutional steps, including potential presidential assent.

The legislation, formally titled the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has sparked significant domestic debate and drawn criticism from human rights groups internationally.