Bagbin:Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Will Be Law as Long as I Exist—You Can Do Whatever You Want After I’m Gone

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has declared that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill will become the law of the land as long as he continues to exist, adding that critics can do whatever they want after he is gone. His statement, reported by the1957news, represents one of his most forceful commitments to the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill and underscores the determination of its supporters to see it enacted. Bagbin’s words frame the legislation as a personal and political legacy, elevating the stakes of the ongoing debate.

The Speaker’s declaration is notable for its absolute tone. By stating that the law will be the law of the land “as long as we continue to exist,” Bagbin is signaling that he will use his position to ensure the bill’s passage. His comment that opponents can “do whatever you want after I’m gone” suggests a willingness to accept that future generations or future leaders may revisit the legislation, but insists that in his time, the bill will prevail. This framing positions the anti-LGBTQ+ bill as a defining issue of his tenure and a matter of principle that he will not abandon.

The statement comes amid ongoing debate about the bill’s constitutionality and its implications for human rights. Critics have argued that the legislation violates Ghana’s constitution and international obligations, and that it would endanger vulnerable people. Supporters, including Bagbin, have countered that the bill reflects Ghanaian cultural and family values and is necessary to protect children and traditional norms. The Speaker’s latest remarks suggest that he is unmoved by criticism and is prepared to press ahead regardless of opposition from domestic and international actors.

Bagbin’s declaration also has implications for the legislative process. The bill has been subject to delays, legal challenges, and procedural debates, and the Speaker’s statement may be intended to signal that he will use his authority to move it forward. As Speaker, Bagbin has significant influence over parliamentary proceedings, including the scheduling of debates and votes. His commitment to the bill could accelerate its progress or, conversely, intensify scrutiny from those who believe it should be reconsidered. The coming weeks will reveal whether his words translate into legislative action.

For Ghanaians, Alban Bagbin’s statement is a reminder of the deep divisions surrounding the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The Speaker has made clear that he views the legislation as essential and that he will not be deterred by criticism. Opponents, meanwhile, are likely to see his remarks as evidence of a determination to push through a bill they consider harmful. The debate is far from over, and the Speaker’s declaration ensures that it will remain at the center of national attention. Whether the bill becomes law—and what that means for Ghana—will depend on the interplay of political will, legal scrutiny, and public opinion.