Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to be Laid Before Parliament on February 17, 2026

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, has been scheduled to be laid before Parliament on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The decision follows a directive from the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, after a Financial Impact Analysis report found the proposed legislation would not impose any financial burden on the Consolidated Fund.

In a formal communication to Parliament on Tuesday, February 10, Speaker Bagbin stated that the bill meets the relevant constitutional and procedural provisions required for it to be laid before the House.

With this clearance, the bill can now proceed to its first reading and subsequent consideration by Parliament.

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, seeks to criminalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activities in Ghana. It also proposes penalties for promotion, advocacy, and funding of related activities.

The bill has been a subject of national debate since it was first introduced, with supporters arguing it protects Ghanaian family values and culture. At the same time, critics raise concerns about human rights and international obligations.

After the laying on February 17, the bill is expected to be referred to the appropriate committee for further scrutiny, public hearings, and stakeholder consultations before it returns to the floor for debate and possible passage.

Parliament has not announced a timeline for the committee stage, but the Speaker’s directive signals the start of formal legislative processing in 2026.