Story: News Desk 

Parliament has passed the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy, and funding after months of intense national debate and international scrutiny.

The bipartisan bill, originally introduced in June 2021 by Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament (MP)   Sam George, marked  one of the most divisive legislative moments in Ghana’s democratic history. 

Supporters, including powerful religious and traditional leaders, argue the law is essential to preserve Ghanaian cultural and family values. 

Conversely, human rights organizations and international critics warn it severely undermines constitutional freedoms of expression, association, and non-discrimination.

A central point of contention in the final stages involved a push to introduce clauses exempting professionals from sanctions. 

The proposed changes sought to protect journalists reporting on LGBTQ+ news, as well as medical, legal, and counseling professionals rendering essential services.

However, co-sponsors of the bill—including Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour and Bosome-Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh—strongly opposed the exemptions. They argued that such clauses are unacceptable and would be used as a pretext to promote prohibited activities.

A Controversial Journey

The passage follows a long legislative road. First read in August 2021, the bill was referred to Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

 Between 2021 and 2022, the committee conducted extensive public hearings, drawing fierce arguments from both conservative groups backing the moral mandates of the majority, and legal experts warning of sweeping human rights violations.