The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference issued a statement on Thursday, November 14, 2026, urging Parliament and constitutional bodies to approach any further consideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 – popularly known as the Anti‑LGBTQ+ Bill – with speed, constitutional fidelity and legislative diligence.
The Bishops noted that Parliament’s decision on Tuesday, November 10, to rescind its earlier passage of the bill opens a window for the House to address the issues surrounding the legislation while giving due regard to its moral, social, cultural and human‑rights implications.
Speaker Alban Bagbin announced the rescission after the House voted to reverse the earlier resolution adopted on May 29, 2026. He explained that the move followed a review by Parliament’s Legislation Drafting Department, which found inconsistencies between MPs’ decisions during the bill’s consideration and the provisions ultimately reflected in the final draft.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their annual Plenary Assembly, held from November 3 to 14 at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre in Jamasi, the Bishops said any further consideration of the legislation must be guided by constitutional requirements and careful legislative processes.
“We note Parliament’s decision to rescind its earlier passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. We encourage Parliament and the relevant constitutional institutions to approach any further consideration of the matter with the requisite speed, constitutional fidelity, legislative diligence and due regard for its moral, social, cultural and human‑rights implications,” the Bishops stated.
The Bishops also reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s position on human life, marriage, family and sexuality, adding, “We reiterate the Church’s commitment to the sanctity of human life, the dignity of every person, the authentic understanding of marriage, family and human sexuality.”
The assembly, themed “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary in 2030,” was held in the Konongo‑Mampong Diocese of the Ashanti Region.
What follows is a call for Parliament to move quickly yet carefully, ensuring that any re‑drafting of the bill aligns with constitutional mandates and respects the rights and dignity of all Ghanaians.
