By Ghana News 
The recent passage of the amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 has sparked intense debate regarding legislative consistency in Ghana.
Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, argues that the introduction of exemptions into the new version of the bill serves as a direct vindication of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
By incorporating these changes, Parliament has implicitly acknowledged that the original version of the legislation, which faced significant criticism, contained substantial flaws. This shift has drawn sharp reactions from observers who previously pressured the former President to sign the initial draft into law.
Bentil suggests that lawmakers displayed hypocrisy by forcing a flawed document on the former President while later deciding to “water down” the same concept when they had control over the process. He highlights the contradiction between past public demands for immediate presidential assent and the current decision to revise the bill’s contents significantly.
The IMANI Africa executive asserts that these amendments effectively transform the bill into something much different from the original text. His perspective focuses on the administrative integrity of the legislative process and the evolving stance of those who champion the bill.
What specific exemptions did Parliament include in the new bill?
The amended Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025 now features protections for professionals who interact with the LGBTQ community as part of their regulated duties. These safeguards were added to address legal and practical concerns that surfaced during the drafting process.
- Lawyers are now exempt from sanctions when providing necessary legal advice or representation to LGBTQ individuals.
- Journalists and media organizations are protected while reporting on related issues in the normal course of their professional work.
- Medical, psychological, and counseling professionals are granted protection when offering essential care and services to LGBTQ persons.
Following the parliamentary approval on May 30, 2026, the bill has now advanced to the next stage of the legislative cycle. The process involves several steps, including the potential for further review and the requirement for final presidential assent before it can officially become law.
Supporters and critics alike continue to monitor the bill as it navigates these final regulatory milestones. The ongoing discussion reflects broader national debates about culture, law, and the role of institutions in shaping Ghana’s social framework.
Also Read: Parliament Passes Anti-LGBTQ, Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill
Source: ghananewspage.com