Supreme Court to Rule on Constitutionality of Anti-LGBTQI Bill Today
Supreme Court to Decide on Constitutionality of Controversial Anti-LGBTQI Legislation
- The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict today on two significant lawsuits
- This judgment is anticipated to have a profound impact on Ghana’s legal and human rights framework
- Proponents argue that the bill is essential to protecting Ghanaian cultural and family values
The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict today on two significant lawsuits challenging the legality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the anti-gay bill.
This judgment is anticipated to have a profound impact on Ghana’s legal and human rights framework, following months of intense public discourse and political debate surrounding the bill.
The bill, which seeks to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI advocacy, has faced widespread criticism from human rights organizations while receiving strong support from religious and traditional groups. If passed, the bill would impose severe penalties on those promoting, funding, or indirectly supporting pro-LGBTQI activities.
Proponents argue that the bill is essential to protecting Ghanaian cultural and family values, which they believe are under threat from foreign ideologies. In contrast, critics contend that it infringes on fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, association, and equality.
The lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the bill were filed by Richard Dela Sky, a journalist and lawyer, and Amanda Odioi, an advocate for equality and inclusiveness. The plaintiffs argue that Parliament did not meet the required quorum, as stipulated in Articles 102 and 104 of the Constitution, during the passage of the bill. They claim that this failure renders the legislative process unconstitutional, making the bill invalid.
