The Supreme Court is expected to rule today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, on two significant lawsuits challenging the legality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and Dr. Amanda Odoi, a researcher at the University of Cape Coast, have separately contested the constitutional and procedural validity of the bill, which Parliament passed earlier this year. The plaintiffs are seeking the Court’s judgment on whether the bill aligns with Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and proper legislative processes.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding. While Parliament approved the bill in February, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has yet to assent to it. The President has publicly stated that he will await the Supreme Court’s decision before taking any further steps.
Constitutional Concerns
On March 5, 2024, Richard Dela Sky filed a lawsuit claiming that the bill violates several constitutional provisions, including Articles 33(5), 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1)(a)(b)(d)(e). He argues that the legislation infringes on fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
Dr. Amanda Odoi’s suit also questions whether Parliament adhered to due process in the bill’s passage. Both lawsuits call for the Court to examine the legislative framework and ensure it complies with constitutional mandates.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for human rights, governance, and legislative processes in Ghana.
