By Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, is steadily navigating parliamentary procedure and is currently under the purview of the Constitutional and Legal Committee, according to Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Addressing the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 20, 2026, Mr Ibrahim disclosed that the committee is scheduled to convene on Thursday, April 23, to deliberate on the legislation.
His remarks arrive amid resurgent public discourse surrounding the bill, with segments of the clergy reportedly mobilizing demonstrations over perceived delays in its passage and subsequent presidential assent.
Providing a detailed chronology of the bill’s legislative trajectory, Mr Ibrahim underscored that the measure originated as a private members’ initiative, not an executive instrument.
“When it was time for the LGBTQ+ Bill to be passed, we were made up of four NDC MPs and four NPP MPs. But when we got to the venue, three of the NPP MPs ran away, leaving only one. So, we had to bring in an additional three NDC MPs to join us before the bill was passed,” he said.
He dismissed attempts to politicize the bill as futile, insisting the process had transcended partisan maneuvering.
“So, if a political party is saying that today they will take a political opportunity, that opportunity is gone,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim further cautioned against implicating the Presidency in the controversy, emphasizing that the executive branch played no role in the bill’s inception.
“Let nobody bring the President in. It was we who introduced the bill. I can give you the long history of it. I am soldiering the bill closely. I went to the President on the matter, and I went to the Speaker on it, and I know where we are with the bill.
“Pastors also come to me on the matter, and with that, I also know where we are. When you are in the field, you act, and not talk,” he said.
Reaffirming the bill’s status, he reiterated that the Constitutional and Legal Committee would resume work on April 23.
“When it comes to where we are, the Constitutional and Legal Committee is meeting on it on April 23. I know every stage and every process. It was not an executive bill; it is a private members’ bill. Therefore, the President was right. If you listen to his speech carefully, you will appreciate him for that,” he added.