Ghana’s parliament has again passed one of Africa’s most draconian anti-LGBTQ bills – but the chaotic circumstances of its passage have left even some of its supporters calling for it to be recalled.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which would make identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer punishable by up to three years in prison and proposes a “duty to report” prohibited acts to police, was passed on 29 May 2026, having bypassed the standard waiting period of one sitting day before a final reading.
The speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who was absent on the day, later said he was surprised by its passage, despite having long championed the legislation and encouraged its swift consideration.
