Parliament Passes Revised Anti-LGBTQ Bill with Professional Exemptions
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Ghana’s Parliament has approved the revised Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, with amendments that exempt lawyers, journalists, and healthcare professionals from punishment under the proposed law.
The bill, passed on Friday, May 29, 2026, aims to criminalise LGBTQ activities in Ghana while providing limited protections for certain professional responsibilities.
Under the revised legislation, lawyers who offer legal advice or representation to LGBTQ persons will not be penalised. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters as part of their professional duties are also exempt from sanctions.
In addition, healthcare professionals providing surgical, psychological, counselling, or other medical services to LGBTQ individuals will not face prosecution.
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The bill was passed after its third reading, with First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor presiding over the proceedings. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga explained that the changes were intended to ensure that professional services and routine work activities are not mistaken for promoting LGBTQ practices.
However, members of the Minority Caucus opposed the amendments, arguing that they dilute the original purpose of the bill that had previously been presented to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.
Bosome-Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh criticised the changes, said, “The point we are making here is that this is watering down the point that you wanted Akufo-Addo to sign.”
Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour also expressed concern, arguing that the exemptions could reduce the effectiveness of the proposed law.
The original anti-LGBTQ bill was unanimously approved by Parliament in February 2024. It proposed prison sentences ranging from nine months to three years for individuals involved in LGBTQ activities and up to five years for those found promoting or sponsoring such activities.
Former President Akufo-Addo did not sign the bill into law before leaving office, citing ongoing legal challenges against the legislation.