Ghana’s Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Lovelace Avril Johnson, has unanimously dismissed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill). The petition, filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, sought a declaration that the bill was null and void. The court’s decision effectively upholds the proposed legislation.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which has sparked intense debate, seeks to criminalize activities related to LGBTQI+ advocacy. It proposes penalties for individuals promoting or funding such activities, extending criminal liability even to those offering indirect support.
Supporters of the bill contend that it is essential for protecting Ghana’s cultural and family values, which they perceive as threatened by the imposition of foreign ideologies. Conversely, opponents argue that the bill violates fundamental human rights, including freedoms of expression, association, and equality.
Mr. Dela Sky’s petition, alongside a separate petition from equality and inclusion advocate Amanda Odioi, argued that Parliament failed to meet the quorum requirements specified in Articles 102 and 104 of the Ghanaian Constitution during the bill’s passage. The petitioners contended that this procedural flaw rendered the entire legislative process unconstitutional and, consequently, the bill invalid. However, the Supreme Court rejected this argument.
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