The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has firmly opposed a request by Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin to reconsider the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill, following its passage by Parliament on May 29, 2026.
Mr George, a principal sponsor of the legislation and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, insisted that Parliament has completed its constitutional mandate and must now transmit the bill to the President for further action. His remarks came after he addressed lawmakers, diplomats and policy experts at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values held within the precincts of Parliament.
Responding to the Speaker’s call for reconsideration of the bill, Mr George argued that Parliament’s Standing Orders do not provide any legal basis for reopening debate once a bill has successfully passed its third reading. He maintained that Parliament operates strictly within established rules and that there is no procedural provision allowing for the reversal of a duly passed bill at this stage.
According to him, once Parliament passes a bill, it becomes “functus officio,” meaning its role in the legislative process is complete except for transmitting the legislation to the President. He stressed that the next constitutional step is for the bill to be forwarded to the Presidency.
Mr George explained that the Constitution clearly outlines the options available to the President upon receipt of a bill. The President may assent to it, refer it to the Council of State for advice, or return it to Parliament with specific recommendations for reconsideration. He emphasised that any objections must be accompanied by recommendations submitted through the Attorney-General, rather than a general rejection.
The minister further argued that although Parliament’s Standing Orders allow for the rescission of certain decisions, such provisions do not apply once a bill has completed all legislative stages and been formally passed. Any attempt to reverse or suspend the bill at this point, he said, would be inconsistent with parliamentary procedure.
He suggested that if concerns exist regarding aspects of the legislation, the appropriate avenue would be for the President to exercise the constitutional mechanisms available to him, after which Parliament could reconsider the bill in line with those recommendations.
Beyond procedural matters, Mr George reaffirmed his support for the legislation, describing it as a measure intended to safeguard Ghanaian family values and cultural identity. He urged African nations to adopt policies that reflect their own traditions and social frameworks, rather than external influences.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to prohibit activities related to LGBTQ+ advocacy, promotion and same-sex relationships, and to impose sanctions for violations. Its passage has sparked significant debate domestically and internationally, with supporters arguing that it protects cultural values, while critics contend that it risks infringing on constitutional rights and freedoms.
The bill is currently awaiting transmission to President John Dramani Mahama, whose decision to assent to it, seek advice from the Council of State, or return it to Parliament with recommendations is expected to determine the next phase of the process. Mr George’s comments have added to the intensifying debate over one of the most contentious pieces of legislation in Ghana’s recent history.