Speaker Bagbin surprised by swift passage of anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed surprise at the rapid passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, on Friday, May 29, 2026. Speaking in Accra on Monday, June 1, 2026, Bagbin stated he had not anticipated the bill's quick approval, expecting it to remain at the consideration stage. He mentioned that he had left instructions for the consideration process before attending to other activities and was surprised to learn of its passage. Bagbin detailed extensive consultations undertaken for the bill, involving international human rights instruments, development partners, and Ghanaian cultural values. He announced plans to meet with House leadership to address disagreements and ensure national consensus for effective implementation. This marks the second time Parliament has passed the bill; the first passage in 2024 was not assented to by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The reintroduced bill included amendments that the Minority Caucus opposed, arguing they implied flaws in the original version. These amendments exempt individuals providing legal advice or representation, journalists reporting on LGBTQ+ issues, and medical professionals offering services to LGBTQ+ persons from punishment under the law.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
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