Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, widely known as the anti-gay bill, after adopting a number of amendments to the proposed legislation. The bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ-related activities and advocacy in Ghana, was approved with specific exemptions protecting certain professionals and institutions from prosecution under the law. Under the amended provisions, lawyers providing legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ will not face sanctions. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related issues as part of their professional duties are also exempted from punishment under the legislation. In addition, healthcare professionals — including doctors, psychologists, counsellors and other medical practitioners offering healthcare services to LGBTQ persons — will not be penalised. The bill now awaits presidential assent before it can become law. Under the previous administration, former President Nana ...