Anti Gay Bill Supreme Court Defers Ruling on Injunction Applications

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing of the injunction suit filed by Researcher, Dr. Amanda Odoi and media personality, Richard Dela Sky over the passage of the Human Sexual and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the Anti-Gay Bill.

The suit filed by Dr. Amanda Odoi prays the court to restrain Parliament from transmitting the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill to the President to assent his authority.

A five judicial panel, chaired by her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkonoo posited that, the hearing of the suit will be deferred until the substantive case is heard and determined by the court.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo stated that the court has, thus agreed to make an early trial into the case as that will better serve the purpose of Justice.

During court proceedings on Tuesday, July 16, she ruled on the two injunction applications separately and has adjourned the case indefinitely.

After the passage of the Anti-Gay bill by Parliament, Richard Dela Sky and Dr. Amanda Odoi challenged the constitutionality of the bill. Richard Dela Sky proceeded to court to seek a declaration that the bill passed by the legislator is contrary to the provisions of the 1992 constitution as it violates the laws that protect the fundamental human rights of the Ghanaian citizenry.

Dr. Amanda Odoi also raised deep concerns about specific provisions in the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill for which she seeks a restraining order to bar the Speaker, the Attorney-General and the Clerk of Parliament from sending the bill to President Akufo-Addo for his approval.

However, the supreme court maintains that, a pretrial will be done and judgment given for the suits.

 

Kobina Darlington/