Ahmed Ibrahim, the minister of local government, chieftaincy, and religious affairs, said that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill is going through legislative procedures and is now being reviewed by the Constitutional and Legal Committee.
He claims that the committee will convene on Thursday, April 23, to discuss the legislation.
Amid renewed public discussion over the bill, including reports of demonstrations planned by certain religious organizations in protest of delays in its passage and presidential approval, his remarks come.
Mr. Ibrahim provided a thorough explanation of the legislative procedure that resulted in the bill’s approval in Parliament during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 20, 2026. He emphasized that the bill was a private members’ initiative rather than an executive bill.
“We were made up of four NDC MPs and four NPP MPs when the LGBTQ+ Bill was up for passage. But when we arrived at the location, just one of the NPP MPs remained after three of them fled. Before the bill was passed, we had to bring in three more NDC members of parliament to join us, he said.
He maintained that efforts to politicize the legislation would be unsuccessful because the procedure had already gone beyond partisan control.
“Therefore, if a political party is announcing that they will seize a political opportunity today, that opportunity is now gone,” he stated.
Mr. Ibrahim also warned against involving the President in the discussion around the bill, noting that the executive branch had no involvement in its introduction.
“Do not let anyone bring the President inside. We brought up the subject. I can provide the complete history of it. I’m keeping a close eye on the bill. I know where we are with the bill since I approached both the President and the Speaker about it.
“I also know where we are since pastors also come to me about it. He said, “You act, not talk, when you are in the field.”
He said that the Constitutional and Legal Committee is scheduled to convene on April 23 to resume its work on the bill.
“The Constitutional and Legal Committee will be meeting on April 23 to discuss the stage reached. I am familiar with all phases and procedures. It is a private members’ measure, not an executive measure. As a result, the President was correct. You’ll see why he’s worthy of your respect if you pay attention to his words, he said.
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