Catholic Bishops Hail Parliament’s Passage of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025

Accra, Ghana – May 30, 2026The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, has described Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 as a “welcome development” supported by many religious groups and Ghanaians.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Friday, May 29, Most Rev. Gyamfi said the Church received the news with joy and commended lawmakers for approving the legislation.

“I just heard that Parliament has passed the bill. If that is indeed the case, then you should expect that the Church—and not only the Church, but all religious bodies in Ghana, together with many Ghanaians who have long advocated for this legislation—will join in congratulating Parliament for a job well done,” he stated.

“We receive it with great joy,” he added.

Parliament on Friday passed the bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, after reconsidering it and introducing new amendments. The revised bill criminalises LGBTQ+ activities but exempts lawyers providing legal services to LGBTQ+ persons, journalists reporting on LGBTQ+ issues, and medical or mental health professionals offering healthcare or counselling.

The amendments triggered debate in the House, with some Minority members arguing the changes exposed flaws in the earlier version that had previously been submitted for presidential assent. Despite the objections, Parliament approved the legislation.

The bill has been one of the most debated pieces of legislation in Ghana in recent years. It has drawn strong backing from several religious and traditional groups who say it protects Ghanaian family values and cultural beliefs.

Human rights groups and some international organisations, however, have criticised the law, warning that it could undermine constitutional freedoms and affect Ghana’s international reputation.

The bill now awaits the next constitutional steps before it becomes law.