Supreme Court Rejects Petition Against Anti-Gay Bill

The Supreme Court, led by Justice Lovelace Avril Johnson, has unanimously dismissed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.

The petition, filed by Broadcast Journalist Richard Dela Sky, sought a declaration that the bill was unconstitutional and should be voided.

However, the court rejected the petition, upholding the constitutionality of the proposed legislation.

The controversial bill, which has sparked intense debate in Ghana, aims to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI advocacy. Supported by religious and traditional institutions, the bill would impose penalties on individuals promoting or funding pro-LGBTQI activities, as well as those indirectly supporting such initiatives.

Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, which they believe are under threat from foreign ideologies. On the other hand, critics view the bill as a violation of fundamental human rights, including the freedoms of expression, association, and equality before the law.

The petitioners, Richard Dela Sky and Amanda Odioi, raised concerns over the constitutionality of the bill, claiming that Parliament did not meet the required quorum when it was passed, as outlined in Articles 102 and 104 of the Constitution. They argued that this failure invalidated the entire legislative process.

Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court has upheld the bill, allowing the legislative process to proceed.