- Anti-Gay Bill proponents march to Supreme Court on Oct 8.
- Bill criminalizes LGBTQ+ activities with 3-5 year prison terms.
- Supreme Court delays judgment, sparking protest.
- Bill faces opposition, international pressure.
Proponents of Ghana’s Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill are planning a peaceful march to the Supreme Court on October 8, 2024, to protest delays in the bill’s determination. The march, starting from Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, aims to expedite the bill’s passage, which has been pending since Parliament approved it on February 28, 2024.
The bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, sparking intense debate over LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. Lead advocate Sam George expressed frustration with the Supreme Court’s delay, citing inconsistency in hearing cases during vacation periods. George emphasized that further delays undermine the urgency of a national issue and are not in the country’s best interest.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on July 17, 2024, to delay judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal matters are resolved, prompted this protest. During the march, sponsors will petition Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo to schedule a hearing date.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has faced opposition, with concerns about its potential impact on Ghana’s economy and human rights violations. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has yet to sign the bill into law amidst international pressure.
Opponents argue it violates human rights, while proponents claim it promotes traditional family values. The Ghanaian human rights NGO Rightify Ghana called the bill “an attack on our fundamental human rights”.
The bill’s fate remains uncertain, with ongoing legal challenges. Two private legal practitioners, Richard Dela Sky and Dr. Amanda Odoi, and law lecturer Prince Obiri-Korang, have initiated suits to overturn the law.
The international community has expressed concerns about the bill’s potential impact. Human Rights Watch urged President Akufo-Addo to veto the bill, citing Ghana’s human rights obligations.
As the debate continues, the October 8 march highlights the growing urgency for a resolution. The Supreme Court’s decision will have significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
