I will name and shame anyone who obstructs the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill – Bagbin vows

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has warned that he will publicly identify anyone who attempts to obstruct the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. Addressing Parliament at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Mr Bagbin said he remained committed to ensuring that the House revisits the legislation and completes the processes required for its passage. He said he would work within the applicable parliamentary rules to facilitate a motion seeking to rescind the House’s earlier decision at the third-reading stage and allow a second consideration of the bill. “I remain committed within the applicable rules and procedures of the House to ensure that the House proceeds with the motion to rescind its earlier decision at the third reading of the bill and to have a second consideration stage of the bill with a view to concluding its processing and securing its passage during this meeting,” he said. The Speaker issued a warning to members who might attempt to frustrate the process, saying he would not hesitate to identify them publicly. “I will assure you that I will mention names, names of any person who tries to obstruct the legitimate processes to see this bill through. That I leave to your conscience,” he said. The anti-LGBTQ+ Bill was passed by the previous Parliament but was not transmitted to the Presidency for assent after Speaker Bagbin identified errors in the legislation. Mr Bagbin has since indicated that some issues in the bill need to be addressed before the legislative process can be concluded. However, the Speaker cannot independently initiate the motion to rescind Parliament’s earlier decision. The motion must be moved by a Member of Parliament. Majority Leader James Agalga has also indicated that the bill will be considered during the current parliamentary meeting, assuring that President John Dramani Mahama would assent to it if it is passed by Parliament. Parliament is expected to consider the proposed motion to rescind its earlier decision at the third-reading stage, potentially paving the way for a second consideration of the bill.