The Supreme Court is poised to deliver its judgment on two landmark lawsuits challenging the legality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The ruling, anticipated to have significant implications for the country’s legal and human rights framework, follows months of heated public discourse and political controversy.
The anti-gay bill, criticized by human rights organizations but backed by religious and traditional institutions, aims to criminalize activities related to advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) rights. It proposes penalties for individuals promoting or funding pro-LGBTQI activities and extends criminal liability to those indirectly supporting such initiatives.
Supporters of the bill argue it is essential to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values from the influence of foreign ideologies. Critics, however, contend that it violates fundamental human rights, including freedoms of expression, association, and equality before the law.
The legal challenges against the bill were filed by journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky and equality advocate Amanda Odoi. They argue that Parliament failed to meet the quorum requirements stipulated in Articles 102 and 104 of the Constitution during the bill’s passage.
The plaintiffs assert that the legislative process was unconstitutional due to this procedural failure, rendering the bill invalid. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to address these critical constitutional questions.