General News of Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Supreme Court sets December 18 to deliver judgement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill suit

The court has been hearing the suit since May 2024 The court has been hearing the suit since May 2024

The Supreme Court has announced that it will deliver its judgment on the constitutional challenge against the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill on December 18, 2024.

The challenge, filed by Richard Dela Sky, has been under consideration since May 2024.

Proponents of the Bill have criticised the Chief Justice for the perceived delay in resolving the case. However, the Judicial Service clarified that the delay was due to the parties' failure to submit necessary documents to advance the proceedings.

Previously, the court granted the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General leave to file their defences. During a hearing on Tuesday, the court allowed the applicant to amend parts of his statement of case, giving the defendants an opportunity to respond.

With these procedural steps completed, the court has set December 18 for its final ruling on the matter.

Dubbed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, the Bill seeks to criminalise same-sex activities and proffer punishment, including jail terms for same-sex practices and advocacy.

The Bill was approved by the Parliament of Ghana in February 2024, and it will only become law if signed by President Nana Akufo-Addo. However, the Office of the President, citing the ongoing legal challenge against the Bill, has stayed any action related to the Bill.

GA

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