GCBC Pushes Parliament to Fast-Track Human Sexual Rights Bill
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has renewed calls for Parliament to prioritise deliberations on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, insisting that the proposed legislation should not be left pending before the House rises at the end of its term.
President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, said although the Catholic Bishops respect parliamentary procedures, there is growing public anticipation that lawmakers will conclude debate and take a final decision on the bill within the lifespan of the current Parliament.
His remarks come on the heels of a directive by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, instructing the Business Committee to list the bill for consideration at the next sitting.
The renewed momentum follows a Financial Impact Analysis which determined that the bill does not impose any financial obligation on the Consolidated Fund — a key constitutional requirement for private members’ bills to proceed.
In an interview with Citi News, Most Rev. Gyamfi noted that the Conference does not seek to interfere with parliamentary processes but believes it is appropriate to encourage lawmakers to advance discussions.
“This is Parliament and we can’t rush their law-making process. Our concern is that the bill is placed before the House and properly debated,” he stated.
He added that while Parliament works within its own timelines, many Ghanaians are expecting the current House to conclude work on the bill before its term ends.
According to him, the responsibility now rests with legislators to ensure the bill is fully considered and brought to a final decision in due course.
