Ghana’s Supreme Court Delays Judgement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

Oluwasegun SanusiJuly 17, 20242 Mins read123

A high court in Ghana has banned protests in the capital, Accra, amid a rising tide of youth-led protests sweeping across West Africa.

The Supreme Court of Ghana has delayed its judgement on an application that seeks the apex court to restrain parliament from sending an extremely controversial anti-LGBTQ+ bill to President Nana Akufo-Addo for ultimate ratification, GHA reported. In essence, it stalls the bill as part of campaign issues for next month’s presidential election.

A five-member Supreme Court panel, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, made the indefinite adjournment based on a pledge for expedited review.

For his part, Attorney-General Godfred Dame said he was particularly supportive of the decision: “I think the court is fair in coming by that approach.”.

The bill, formally known as the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” has been a debate in Ghanaian politics since its passage in February.

The proposed legislation received condemnation from the international community but enjoys wide support at home.

It makes provisions for jail sentences ranging between six months and three years for engaging in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer activities and three to five years for promoting or sponsoring this activity.

There are two lawsuits challenging the bill. One is from broadcaster Richard Dela Sky, who alleged that the legislation is unconstitutional because it breaches many provisions in the 1992 Constitution.

Another plaintiff was Amanda Odoi, seeking a restraining order against the leadership to prevent the bill from being forwarded to President Akufo-Addo for approval.

Though it has received enormous support from MPs, including Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders, it has also received wide condemnation from the international community, including forces such as the United Nations, the United States, and the British government.

The finance ministry of Ghana has also raised an alarm that Ghana risks losing almost $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the bill. The country is said to be operating a $3 billion loan facility from the International Monetary Fund, intended to revive it from the worst economic crisis in decades.

Akufo-Addo, who cannot contest a third time to be president, refused to sign the law amidst the ongoing battles with parties that have dragged their way to court.

There is a keenly contested race between his ruling New Patriotic Party and the main opposition, the National Democratic Congress, in the presidential election.

Ghana News Agency

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