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Supporters of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-Gay Bill, have organized a peaceful march to the Supreme Court to protest delays in the bill’s final ruling.
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, participants will gather at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra and proceed to submit a petition to both the Attorney General and Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkonoo. This demonstration aims to expedite the bill’s progress, which has been stalled since its passage by Parliament on February 28, 2024.
Initially planned two months ago, the peaceful march will include representatives from religious groups and other stakeholders. The protest follows a Supreme Court ruling on July 17, 2024, to delay judgment on anti-gay cases until all related legal matters have been resolved.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. During the march, sponsors will formally petition Chief Justice Torkonoo to schedule a date for the final ruling, emphasizing the pressing nature of the national debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
In a recent interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face, aired on Channel One TV, Sam George, the lead advocate for the bill, voiced his frustration with the delay. He expressed concerns over the Supreme Court’s reluctance to provide a hearing date. “Basically what the Supreme Court has done is stage judgments. The judiciary today is stopping the legislature from doing a constitutional mandate,” he said.
Referencing Article 106/7 of the Constitution, George pointed out that the court’s inaction is effectively halting Parliament’s legislative process. “They haven’t given us a timetable. Are you hearing it now, one month, or two years? Nobody knows what’s going on,” he remarked. George also noted that the Supreme Court has heard cases during its vacation period, which underscores the inconsistency of delaying this particular matter.
Further emphasizing the urgency, George said, “This is a major national issue. We need to have a final determination on the matter, and they should act expeditiously. It’s not a matter the Supreme Court can choose to drag its feet on.”
The march is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, starting from Kwame Nkrumah Circle, with participants instructed not to display party colors. “We will march to the Supreme Court to demand a ruling on the case,” George stated.
**Background**
On February 28, 2024, Parliament approved the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, 2024, which criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities, including their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Offenders could face prison sentences ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those who promote or sponsor such activities could receive sentences between 3 and 5 years.
The bill has faced several legal challenges. Two private legal practitioners, Richard Dela Sky and gender activist Dr. Amanda Odoi, have filed lawsuits seeking to annul the bill. Additionally, law lecturer Prince Obiri-Korang from the University of Ghana has initiated a separate suit to overturn the law.
Despite Parliament’s approval, the bill’s fate remains uncertain as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has yet to sign it into law. The bill has drawn significant international attention, with concerns raised about its potential economic impact on Ghana and its alignment with human rights standards.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has been debated since 2021, with supporters arguing that it upholds traditional family values, while opponents claim it infringes on human rights.
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