Ghana’s parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 popularly referred to as the anti-gay bill introducing stricter measures against LGBTQ-related activities and advocacy.
The legislation, passed on Friday, is part of a broader regional trend in parts of West Africa aimed at tightening restrictions on LGBTQ communities and related expression. It seeks to criminalise not only same-sex conduct but also what authorities describe as the “promotion” and public support of LGBTQ rights.
Under the bill, individuals and organisations could face penalties for advocacy or actions interpreted as supporting LGBTQ activities. Supporters of the legislation argue it is intended to protect traditional family values and reflect cultural and religious norms within Ghanaian society.
However, rights groups have warned that the law could significantly restrict freedom of expression and further marginalise LGBTQ people in Ghana, where same-sex relations are already criminalised under existing law.
The bill includes new amendments that introduce specific exemptions. Individuals providing legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not be subject to punishment under the law. Similarly, journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues or current affairs in the course of their professional duties are also exempt.
Medical professionals, including those offering surgical, psychological, and counselling services to LGBTQ individuals, are likewise excluded from penalties under the amended provisions.
Despite these changes, the Minority Caucus in Parliament strongly opposed the amendments, arguing that they suggested the original version of the bill previously submitted to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for assent may have been flawed and not fit for purpose.
The bill was nevertheless passed by Parliament and is now expected to undergo additional legal and constitutional processes before it can take full effect.
