Anti-Gay Bill Advocates to Protest Supreme Court Delays on October 8

Supporters of the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-Gay Bill, are set to hold a peaceful march to the Supreme Court on October 8, 2024.

This demonstration aims to voice frustration over the ongoing delays in the bill’s legal proceedings.

The march will kick off at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, where participants will gather before delivering a petition to both the Attorney General and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

This initiative follows the bill’s passage in Parliament on February 28, 2024, and seeks to hasten its judicial review.

Originally planned two months prior, the protest will feature various religious organizations and stakeholders. It comes in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on July 17, 2024, to postpone rulings on anti-gay cases until all associated legal issues are addressed.

The proposed legislation aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, and during the march, advocates will formally urge Chief Justice Torkonoo to set a date for the final ruling—an action that underscores the heated discourse surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the nation.

In a recent interview on Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Sam George, a leading advocate for the bill, expressed his discontent with the Supreme Court’s lack of a hearing schedule.

He argued that this delay undermines the urgency of what he deems a critical national issue.

George stated, “The Supreme Court’s inaction is effectively halting the legislature from fulfilling its constitutional duties. We need a timetable for this case; it cannot be left hanging indefinitely.”

He pointed out the inconsistency of the court’s scheduling practices, noting that cases have previously been heard during vacation periods. “

This is a significant matter for the country, and we need decisive action, not more delays,” he asserted.

The march is intended to be a peaceful gathering, with participants advised against displaying political party colors.

Background:
On February 28, 2024, Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities, along with their promotion and funding. Penalties for offenders could include prison terms ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while those who advocate for or fund such activities could face 3 to 5 years in prison.

The bill has faced legal challenges from activists and practitioners aiming to annul it.

As the bill’s future hangs in the balance, it has sparked significant debate both domestically and internationally regarding human rights and Ghana’s economic landscape.