The Minority in Parliament has mounted strong resistance against proposed changes to Clause 9 of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

The proposed amendment seeks to exempt individuals who offer legal counsel or representation to persons identified as LGBT from punishment under the bill.

It also aims to shield journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBT-related matters in the course of their professional duties, as well as healthcare and counselling professionals providing medical, psychological, surgical, or advisory services to such persons.

Addressing Parliament on Friday, May 29, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga explained that the amendments are intended to clearly define exceptions within the bill so that professional responsibilities and routine activities are not misconstrued as endorsing or promoting LGBT practices.

According to him, concerns had been raised by sections of the media and professional bodies over potential violations of constitutional and professional rights.

“The media expressed serious concerns that the bill could infringe on freedom of expression, while lawyers also argued that it could interfere with their professional obligations and deny individuals access to legal services,” he stated.

Mr. Ayariga noted that the committee’s objective is to carefully outline situations where certain actions or statements would not be interpreted as support for LGBT activities.

However, the Member of Parliament for Assin South and lead sponsor of the bill, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, together with the MP for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, opposed the proposed amendments.

The two lawmakers argued that the changes create the impression that the original version of the bill submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent was flawed and insufficiently drafted.