The Supreme Court has directed Lawyers for Richard Sky who is challenging the legality of the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to file a fresh motion with supporting affidavit and statement of case by May 17, 2024. The Court held that matters raised in the current application before the Court do not raise issues of law and facts.
The Court presided by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo also raised concern with the inappropriate words used by the plaintiff in his application.
The Court advised the plaintiff lawyers led by Paa Kwasi Abaidoo to ensure that the correct thing is done in the refiling of the new documents. Mr Sky wants the Supreme Court to declare the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill also known as the anti-gay bill null, void, and of no effect. He contends that the passage of the bill violates Article 33(5) of the Constitution as well as other provisions.
He is further praying for an order restraining President Akufo Addo, from assenting to the Bill as it will directly contravene the constitutional safeguards of liberties and rights of Ghanaians.
The Bill which prohibits LGBTQ activities and their promotion, support and funding was passed by Parliament on February 28 2024.
Meanwhile, hearing of the suits challenging the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill at the Supreme Court was aired live.
The Bill also known as the Anti-gay bill has gained both national and international interest with varying opinions.
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame placed a request to the Chief Justice for a live coverage of the proceedings.
The Attorney-General said the decision to go live is in the public interest and avoid misrepresentation of the matter. He said he has always advocated live coverage of issues of national interest to disabuse the minds of the public.
