The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin has called for careful scrutiny of the legislative process surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, citing concerns over procedures adopted during its final stages. He commended Ghanaians for their support of efforts by traditional authorities, religious bodies and civil society groups to advance legislation on family values and human sexual rights.
Rt. Honourable Bagbin also praised the bipartisan sponsors of the bill and members of the parliamentary committee that worked on the legislation. He noted that the measure has generated significant public interest because it touched on moral convictions, cultural values, constitutional principles and national aspirations.
The Speaker recounted that parliamentary records showed that the bill was passed through the consideration stage and third reading on 29 May 2026. However, he indicated that questions have emerged regarding how the final stages of the process were conducted.
Speaking during parliamentary proceedings, The Speaker stressed that his constitutional role requires him to protect the integrity and dignity of Parliament. Consequently, he explained that concerns surrounding the passage of the bill deserves the attention of the House.
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin“Although I wasn’t the presiding officer that day, as the Speaker, I remain, by virtue of my office, the custodian of the institutional integrity, procedural sanctity and dignity of Parliament. In that regard, I consider it my duty to draw the attention of the House to certain concerns which have since arisen regarding the manner in which the final stages of the bill were conducted.”
Rt. Hon Bagbin stated that public confidence in Parliament depends on adherence to established procedures. He therefore urged lawmakers to appreciate the importance of ensuring that every legislative action meets the highest standards of parliamentary practice.
The Speaker further observed that debates surrounding the bill demonstrated the significance of issues affecting family values and social development. As a result, Parliament carries a responsibility to ensure that its decisions commanded legitimacy and public trust.
He also stressed that legislative outcomes should be guided by transparency and accountability. Furthermore, he indicated that Parliament’s credibility is strengthened whenever members demonstrated respect for institutional procedures.
Parliament Urged to Revisit Bill Amid Procedural Concerns
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin advised parliamentarians to revisit aspects of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 to strengthen parliamentary consensus and safeguard the legislative process. The Speaker focused on constitutional requirements and Standing Orders governing the passage of bills through the Parliament.
The Speaker explained that Order 24 of the Standing Orders impose obligations on the Speaker to uphold the honour and dignity of Parliament. Additionally, the provisions require impartiality, fairness and the protection of members’ rights during legislative proceedings.
Rt. Honourable Bagbin noted that issues have been raised regarding the application of Orders 170, 171, 172 and 173 during consideration of the bill. He indicated that these provisions are intended to guarantee accuracy in amendments and provide members with sufficient opportunity to review legislative texts before final approval.
According to The Speaker, parliamentary rules require amendments adopted during consideration to be incorporated into a bill before the third reading. He added that members should have access to the amended text before taking a final decision.
He further explained that another safeguard allows members to request a second consideration of a bill before the third reading. Such provisions, he said, exist to promote informed decision making and legislative certainty.
The Speaker observed that concerns have emerged over whether the final version of the bill was made available to members in a manner consistent with parliamentary expectations. Moreover, some members questioned whether amendments adopted on the floor showed positions previously contained in the committee’s report.
He referenced bipartisan cooperation, noting that the legislation has always been presented as a joint initiative across political divides. Consequently, developments during the final stages of the bill attracted attention both within Parliament and among the public.
Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin“The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 and its implications on the LGBTQ+ issue is a global concern. Therefore, the eye of the world is upon this Parliament, the Parliament of Ghana. What we do here must be able to withstand any legal and constitutional challenges that are sure to come.”
The Speaker emphasised that the bill bears international attention because of its implications for the LGBTQ+ debate. Therefore, he stressed that every parliamentary action connected to the legislation should be capable of withstanding legal and constitutional scrutiny.
He also noted that questions raised by members and observers related directly to confidence in Parliament’s work. In addition, he explained that preserving consensus is essential to protecting the credibility of legislative outcomes.
The Speaker subsequently appealed to the Members of Parliament to consider revisiting the third reading and any related amendments. He argued that such a step would strengthen unity within the House and reinforce public confidence in Parliament’s handling of one of the country’s most closely watched pieces of legislation.
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