Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has cautioned Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to carefully consider potential human rights violations in the proposed amendments to the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The bill, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has returned to Parliament after being reintroduced in 2025, reigniting intense national debate.
During a recent stakeholder engagement, CHRAJ urged lawmakers to ensure that any provisions in the bill do not undermine fundamental human rights guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution.
CHRAJ, an independent state institution mandated to protect human rights, stressed the need for a balanced approach that respects cultural values while safeguarding individual freedoms.
The Commission warned that certain aspects of the bill, particularly those that criminalise identity, expression, or advocacy, could breach rights such as freedom of expression, association, and equality before the law.
The anti-LGBTQ+ bill has been widely described as one of the most far-reaching pieces of legislation on the issue in Africa.
Critics argue that it goes beyond criminalising same-sex relations to also target individuals and groups who support LGBTQ+ rights. Some provisions reportedly propose prison sentences for promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ activities.
While some citizens and lawmakers support it on cultural and religious grounds, others, including civil society groups and international organisations, have raised concerns about its implications for human rights and Ghana’s global reputation.
International bodies have also warned that such legislation could increase discrimination and limit access to essential services, including healthcare and education.
There are also fears that it could affect Ghana’s economic relations with development partners.
CHRAJ has therefore called on the Legal Committee to take all concerns seriously and ensure that any final version of the bill aligns with Ghana’s constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments.
