Ghana’s Parliament has reignited debate over the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill after a group of Members of Parliament reintroduced the controversial anti-LGBT+ legislation in early 2025. The bill, widely criticized by human rights advocates, proposes strict penalties including imprisonment for various expressions of LGBTQ+ identity and activities. Its original bipartisan approval in February 2024 lapsed with the dissolution of the last Parliament ahead of the 2024 general election. In March 2025, 10 MPs re-presented it as a private member’s bill, resetting it at the start of the legislative process.
President John Dramani Mahama has stated he supports the principle of the legislation but prefers it be reintroduced as a government bill rather than a private member’s motion, signaling concerns about process and national cohesion. Critics argue the bill could strain Ghana’s international relations and undermine constitutional guarantees of freedom and dignity. Supporters, however, frame it as upholding “family values.” With growing civic activism and human rights organizations pledging to monitor progress closely, Ghana faces significant domestic and global scrutiny as debate continues.
