Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has directed the members of parliament to revisit the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, following fresh consultations among parliamentary leaders aimed at reaching a wider consensus on the contentious legislation.

The directive comes amid concerns over the circumstances surrounding the bill’s passage, prompting the Speaker to call for further discussions with both Majority and Minority leadership.

Addressing Members of Parliament, today the speaker,  disclosed that he was taken aback by the bill’s approval on Friday, May 29, noting that he had expected proceedings to be limited to the consideration stage rather than a final passage.

He underscored the need for broader agreement on legislation of such national significance, stressing that Parliament must ensure all key concerns are adequately addressed.

The Speaker also revealed that a number of international organisations and development partners, including the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and proposals on the bill before its passage, reflecting the high level of interest surrounding the legislation.

As a result, he convened an urgent meeting with leaders of both sides of the House to assess the process that led to the bill’s approval and explore the most appropriate next steps.

Mr. Bagbin maintained that Parliament’s responsibility extends beyond passing laws, emphasizing the importance of securing public confidence and ensuring the successful implementation of legislation once enacted.

The development follows Parliament’s earlier approval of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after the House adopted a series of amendments.

The revised version of the bill includes exemptions for legal practitioners offering advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ, as well as protections for journalists and media organisations reporting on related issues in the course of their professional duties. Medical professionals providing healthcare and counselling services are also exempt from sanctions.