The Speaker of Parliament has ruled that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 satisfies constitutional and procedural requirements and can now be taken up for debate in the House.
Delivering the ruling to Members of Parliament, the Speaker explained that the bill was originally introduced in 2021 and passed by the Eighth Parliament in February 2024. However, it did not receive presidential assent before the dissolution of Parliament and therefore lapsed.
According to him, following the inauguration of the Ninth Parliament, the bill was referred to the Attorney-General for legal and fiscal review. After the assessments were completed, the proposal was reintroduced by six Members of Parliament as a Private Member’s Bill.
The Speaker noted that the Committee on Private Members’ Bills subsequently examined the document and reached a unanimous decision that it does not breach Articles 106 and 108 of the Constitution. The committee also determined that the bill does not impose any tax or financial charge on the Consolidated Fund.
Based on the committee’s findings and recommendations, the Speaker ruled that the bill is properly constituted and eligible to proceed.
He has therefore directed the Business Committee of Parliament to schedule the bill for formal presentation and debate on the floor of the House.
Story By: Sheila Otuo- Baffour