Chief Justice’s Hands Tied in Anti-LGBTQ Bill Case – Sam George

Sam George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has made serious allegations against the Chief Justice, accusing her of acting maliciously in the anti-LGBTQ bill case. George, who is the lead sponsor of the controversial ‘Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill’, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, expressed his concerns in an interview with TV3 on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

He argued that the decision of the Supreme Court to ‘freeze’ the provisions of Article 106 of the Constitution is problematic and raises questions about the Chief Justice’s impartiality. According to George, the Chief Justice “cannot determine for herself when and how she will hear the case” and should not have unilaterally stayed the ruling that was expected on July 17.

He claimed that the Chief Justice’s actions amount to an “abuse of her powers under Article 296 of the Constitution” and are a clear indication of her bias in the case. The Supreme Court’s five-member panel, chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, had deferred the ruling on the request to restrain Parliament from transmitting the Anti-LGBT bill until the substantive case is heard and determined.

However, George maintains that the Chief Justice is “acting arbitrarily, capriciously, and maliciously” and that her actions are a threat to the rule of law and the democratic process. In response to the Chief Justice’s handling of the case, George and other sponsors of the bill have announced plans to demonstrate on September 17 against the Chief Justice’s actions.

During the demonstration, they will present a petition to demand a timetable for the hearing and determination of the case, as well as an explanation for the Chief Justice’s actions. The controversy surrounding the anti-LGBTQ bill continues to escalate, with no clear resolution in sight, and George’s allegations against the Chief Justice have added a new layer of complexity to the debate.