The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called on Parliament and relevant constitutional institutions to urgently address the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, while ensuring strict adherence to constitutional requirements and proper legislative procedures.
The Bishops believe Parliament’s decision to rescind its earlier approval of the controversial legislation provides an opportunity for lawmakers to address outstanding concerns surrounding the bill.
They stressed that any further consideration of the proposed legislation must take into account its moral, social, cultural and human rights implications.
The Catholic Bishops’ position follows Parliament’s decision on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to overturn its earlier passage of the bill, allowing the House to reconsider the proposed law.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announced the decision after Members of Parliament voted to rescind the resolution originally adopted on May 29, 2026.
According to the Speaker, the decision followed a review conducted by Parliament’s Legislation Drafting Department, which identified inconsistencies between decisions taken by lawmakers during deliberations and provisions contained in the final version of the legislation.
Catholic Bishops Call for Constitutional Compliance
In a communiqué released after their annual Plenary Assembly, held from November 3 to 14, 2026, the Bishops urged Parliament to handle the next stage of the legislative process with urgency, transparency and careful consideration.
They emphasised the importance of ensuring that any future parliamentary action on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill complies with Ghana’s Constitution and established legislative procedures.
The Bishops stated that Parliament’s decision to rescind the bill’s earlier passage should be used as an opportunity to carefully examine the issues surrounding the proposed legislation.
They said:
“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.”
Catholic Church Reaffirms Position on Marriage and Family Values
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference also used the opportunity to reaffirm the Catholic Church’s teachings on the sanctity of human life, human dignity, marriage, family and human sexuality.
According to the Bishops, the Church remains committed to upholding its understanding of these fundamental values.
They reiterated:
“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.”
Catholic Bishops Hold 2026 Annual Plenary Assembly
The communiqué was issued following the Catholic Bishops’ annual Plenary Assembly, which took place at the Divine Providence Pastoral Centre in Jamasi, within the Konongo-Mampong Diocese of the Ashanti Region.
The gathering was organised under the theme “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary in 2030.”
The assembly brought together Catholic Church leaders to deliberate on matters affecting the Church and its mission in Ghana as preparations continue towards its 150th anniversary in 2030.
The Bishops’ statement adds another significant voice to the ongoing national discussion surrounding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, as Parliament considers the next steps following the reversal of its earlier decision.
Source: newsthemegh.com