The sponsors of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-Gay Bill, have announced plans to stage a peaceful walk to the Supreme Court. This protest aims to express their dissatisfaction with the delays in the determination of a case brought before court concerning the bill.
In a statement, proponents of the bill will converge at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The protesters will then proceed to the Supreme Court to submit a petition to both the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboa Dame and the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkonoo.
The demonstration, according to the proponents, is part of efforts to expedite the passage of the bill, which has been pending since its passage by Parliament on February 28, 2024. Initially planned two months ago, the peaceful walk will bring together various religious groups and stakeholders.
The decision to protest follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 17, 2024, to delay judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal matters are resolved. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.
During the walk, the sponsors will formally petition Chief Justice Torkonoo to schedule a date for the final ruling. This move reflects the ongoing and intense debate over LGBTQ+ rights in the country.