The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has confirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—frequently referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill—is steadily moving through the necessary parliamentary channels.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on Monday, April 20, 2026, the Minister noted that the legislation is currently under rigorous review by the Constitutional and Legal Committee, which is scheduled to meet for further deliberations on Thursday, April 23.
Pointing to the bill’s origin he referred to it as a private members’ initiative rather than an executive-led mandate.
He underscored the bipartisan cooperation required during its earlier stages while simultaneously critiquing the consistency of some colleagues.
Ibrahim recalled a specific instance of parliamentary attendance, stating, “When it was time for the LGBTQ+ Bill to be passed, we were made up of four NDC MPs and four NPP MPs. But when we got to the venue, three of the NPP MPs ran away, leaving only one. So, we had to bring in an additional three NDC MPs to join us before the bill was passed.”
Minister Ibrahim further asserted that the process has now evolved beyond partisan control, rendering any current attempts to gain political leverage from the legislation ineffective.
He warned that “if a political party is saying that today they will take a political opportunity, that opportunity is gone.”
Addressing the public discourse surrounding the Presidency, the Minister argued that it is unfair to involve the executive branch in a matter where it held no introductory role.
He insisted on shielding the President from the ongoing debate, explaining, “Let nobody bring the President in. It was we who introduced the bill. I can give you the long history of it. I am soldiering the bill closely. I went to the President on the matter, and I went to the Speaker on it, and I know where we are with the bill. Pastors also come to me on the matter, and with that, I also know where we are. When you are in the field, you act, and not talk.”
Ahmed Ibrahim reiterated his deep involvement in the legislative timeline and defended the President’s stance on the matter.
He maintained that the President’s previous comments were justified given the bill’s status as a private members’ bill.
“When it comes to where we are, the Constitutional and Legal Committee is meeting on it on April 23. I know every stage and every process. It was not an executive bill; it is a private members’ bill. Therefore, the President was right. If you listen to his speech carefully, you will appreciate him for that.”
