Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a petition filed by Broadcast Journalist Richard Dela Sky challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The court’s decision effectively upholds the constitutionality of the proposed legislation, which has sparked widespread debate across the country.
The bill, widely criticised by human rights groups and supported by religious and traditional institutions, seeks to criminalise activities associated with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) advocacy.
If passed into law, it would impose penalties on individuals promoting or funding pro-LGBTQI activities and extend criminal liability to those providing indirect support.
Sky’s petition argued that Parliament did not meet the required quorum as outlined in Articles 102 and 104 of the Constitution when the bill was passed.
However, the Supreme Court, on its sitting on Wednesday, December 18 has rejected this argument, dismissing the petition as premature.
Advocates of the bill argue it is necessary to safeguard Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents contend it infringes on basic human rights and equality under the law.
Hamdia
