Samuel Nartey George and John Ntim Fordjour are back in the spotlight, leading the charge to push the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 — widely known as the anti-LGBT+ bill — into Parliament.
The private member’s bill, co-sponsored by ten Members of Parliament from both Majority and Minority sides, is set for its first reading this week.
The bill, which also counts MPs like Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Nurideen Muhammed Mummuni Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Dr. Tiah Abdul Kabiru Mahama among other sponsors, aims to tighten restrictions on LGBTQ+ activities across the country.
If passed, it would criminalize same-sex relationships, public displays of affection, the promotion of LGBTQ+ content, transgender healthcare, and even support for LGBTQ+ organizations.
This marks the second attempt to pass such a law. A similar bill passed in February 2024, but fizzled out after the previous Parliament was dissolved before then-President Nana Akufo-Addo could sign it. Now, the bill is back, starting the legislative process from scratch.
While President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for the idea behind the legislation, he has clarified that such a bill is best introduced by the government rather than through private members.
Observers say the bill, if enacted, would mark a major expansion of existing laws targeting LGBTQ+ activities, with much stricter penalties for individuals and organizations found in violation.
