Supreme Court Strikes Out Richard Sky’s Review on Anti-Gay Bill
Journalist’s Legal Challenge Ends as Court Upholds Earlier Ruling
- Richard Dela Sky withdrew his review application, leading the Supreme Court to strike it out
- Justices criticized Sky’s absence, with some suggesting costs be imposed
- The anti-gay bill remains controversial
The Supreme Court has dismissed a review application filed by journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, challenging its earlier ruling on the constitutionality of Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.
Sky withdrew his application through his lawyer, Paa Kwasi Abaidoo, during a court session on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. A nine-member review panel, led by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, subsequently struck out the case, though the bench expressed dissatisfaction with Sky’s absence.
Chief State Attorney Sylvia Adisu urged the court to impose costs on the applicant, with some justices questioning the fairness of convening the panel only for the application to be withdrawn. However, other justices opposed awarding costs, citing the public interest nature of the case.
This development follows the court’s December 18, 2024, ruling, which upheld the constitutionality of the bill and dismissed Sky’s initial petition. The bill, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQI+ advocacy and support, remains a subject of national debate, with supporters arguing it aligns with cultural values while critics warn of potential human rights violations.
