Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has said Parliament still has the authority to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, despite its passage by the House.
According to him, the passage of a bill does not automatically mean Parliament has completed every step in the legislative process. He explained that the House may still use its internal procedures to review, correct or reconsider a bill before it is transmitted to the President for assent.
Bagbin made the remarks on Thursday, June 11, 2026, when the Supreme Court 150th Anniversary Planning Committee paid a courtesy call on him.
He rejected arguments that Parliament becomes unable to act on a bill once it has been passed at the third reading stage. In his view, the legislative process gives lawmakers room to reflect on what has been approved before the bill leaves Parliament.
The Speaker said Parliament may move a motion to rescind its earlier decision if members find inconsistencies, errors or procedural concerns that require attention.
His comments follow renewed debate over the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which was passed by Parliament on Friday, May 29, 2026. Bagbin later called for further engagement on the bill, citing the need for broader consultation and consensus because of the sensitive national debate surrounding the proposed law.
The Speaker said he had expected Parliament to begin the consideration stage on the bill on May 29, rather than fully pass it on that day.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, has generated strong public interest in Ghana and beyond. Supporters say the bill seeks to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, while critics have raised concerns about constitutional freedoms, human rights and the legislative process.
The bill has not become law until it receives presidential assent. President John Mahama has also indicated that the bill will still be subjected to legal and constitutional review before any final decision is made.
Bagbin maintained that Parliament’s ability to reconsider the bill is part of the lawmaking process and not a violation of parliamentary procedure.
