Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called a meeting with the leadership of the House following the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, stressing the need for broad agreement on the legislation to facilitate its implementation and secure public confidence.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, June 1, Mr. Bagbin said he was taken aback by the bill’s passage on Friday, explaining that he had expected Parliament to begin only the consideration stage of the legislative process before he left the chamber.

The Speaker noted that several stakeholders, including development partners and agencies of the United Nations, had submitted recommendations and memoranda on the proposed law, making it important to carefully assess the outcome of the parliamentary process.

“I was surprised when I heard the bill had been passed because my understanding was that the House was only beginning the consideration stage,” he said.

Mr. Bagbin disclosed that he has invited both Majority and Minority leaders for consultations aimed at reviewing the developments surrounding the bill and charting a path forward.

According to him, the legislation addresses a sensitive national issue that requires broad-based support beyond its approval by Parliament.

“This matter goes beyond simply passing a bill. The real challenge is ensuring effective implementation and achieving outcomes that serve the interests of the people,” he stated.

Parliament approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, on Friday after adopting a number of amendments to its provisions.

Among the changes, legal practitioners who offer advice or representation to individuals identified as LGBTQ are exempt from sanctions under the bill. Similar exemptions were granted to journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues as part of their professional responsibilities.

The amended legislation also protects healthcare professionals who provide medical treatment, psychological support, counselling, or surgical services to LGBTQ persons from penalties under the proposed law.

The Minority Caucus strongly objected to the amendments, arguing that they raised questions about the adequacy of the version of the bill previously forwarded to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent.

Despite those concerns, Parliament proceeded to pass the bill, paving the way for the remaining constitutional steps before it can become law.