Legal Challenges Dismissed
The Supreme Court of Ghana has made a significant ruling by unanimously rejecting two legal challenges against the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The lawsuits, brought forth by media personality Richard Dela Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi, aimed to overturn the bill on constitutional grounds.
Implications for Legislation
This decision effectively clears the path for the bill to move forward, potentially leading to its enactment into law. President Nana Akufo-Addo had previously stated he would hold off on signing the bill until the Supreme Court provided its verdict on its legality. With the court’s ruling, the President now has the judicial go-ahead to proceed.
Richard Sky’s Legal Arguments
Richard Sky argued that the bill contravenes various sections of the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution, specifically Articles 33(5), 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1)(a)(b)(d), and (e). He sought several judicial interventions, including a declaration that the Speaker of Parliament had violated Article 108(a)(ii) by allowing the passage of legislation that could impose financial burdens on public funds.
Dr. Amanda Odoi’s Case Dismissed on Jurisdictional Grounds
Dr. Amanda Odoi’s lawsuit focused on specific elements of the bill, seeking a restraining order to block its transmission to President Akufo-Addo for approval. However, her case was dismissed because her writ was deemed not to have correctly invoked the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
Outcome of the Legal Challenges
Both legal actions were intended to stop the bill from becoming law, citing issues of constitutional violations and legislative overreach. With these lawsuits dismissed, the path is now clearer for the bill to potentially advance towards presidential assent.
