Home Featured News Supreme Court to Rule on Constitutionality of Controversial Anti-Gay Bill

Supreme Court to Rule on Constitutionality of Controversial Anti-Gay Bill

The proposed legislation, widely supported by religious and traditional institutions but heavily criticised by human rights organizations, seeks to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI+ advocacy. If passed, the bill would impose severe penalties on individuals promoting or funding LGBTQI+ initiatives, as well as those providing indirect support.

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The Supreme Court is set to deliver a landmark judgment on two lawsuits challenging the legality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill.

This highly anticipated decision follows months of heated public debate and political contention, with the outcome expected to significantly impact Ghana’s legal and human rights framework.

The proposed legislation, widely supported by religious and traditional institutions but heavily criticised by human rights organizations, seeks to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI+ advocacy. If passed, the bill would impose severe penalties on individuals promoting or funding LGBTQI+ initiatives, as well as those providing indirect support.

Proponents argue that the bill is essential to protecting Ghanaian cultural and family values, which they claim are being undermined by foreign ideologies. Critics, however, view the legislation as a severe infringement on fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, association, and equality before the law.

The lawsuits were filed by journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky and equality advocate Amanda Odioi. Their cases focus on alleged constitutional breaches during the legislative process, particularly the claim that Parliament failed to meet the quorum requirements stipulated in Articles 102 and 104 of the Constitution when passing the bill.

The plaintiffs argue that the lack of quorum invalidates the legislative process, rendering the bill unconstitutional and void.

As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s ruling, the decision is poised to shape the future of Ghana’s stance on human rights and its adherence to constitutional principles.

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