Director of Communications for the United Party (UP), Solomon Owusu, has called on Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to ensure that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is brought to a conclusion, warning that the handling of the legislation could become part of his legacy.
Speaking on TV3 on Thursday, August 13, 2026, Mr Owusu rejected suggestions that the ongoing controversy over the bill represents a political victory for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He instead argued that responsibility for the bill’s current status should be viewed within the broader parliamentary process, particularly the role of the Speaker.
“The NPP has not been vindicated on any LGBTQ+ matter. If there is anybody that has to be accused of the LGBT+ bill having not been signed, it is Speaker Bagbin,” he said.
Mr Owusu further cautioned that the decisions being taken by political leaders and lawmakers on the legislation could be judged by future generations.
“Children of this country will one day accuse Speaker Bagbin of the LGBTQ+ Bill if it is not signed,” he added.
Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill on May 29, 2026. The legislation proposes a three-year prison sentence for same-sex sexual relations and up to five years for financing, sponsoring or promoting LGBTQ+ activities.
The bill, however, remains subject to further parliamentary consideration after Speaker Bagbin directed lawmakers to review and refine aspects of the legislation amid concerns over procedure and its sentencing provisions.
Mr Bagbin has maintained that the bill should be treated as a matter of national interest rather than a partisan political issue.
The latest comments come as debate continues over the appropriate legal and parliamentary steps required to bring the controversial legislation to its final stage.
