Ghana’s Supreme Court Dismisses Challenges to Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Ghana’s LGBTIQ+ Activist, Photo: @France24
December 18, 2024 Hour: 7:41 pm
In a significant setback for the LGBTQ community in Africa, Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two cases that challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
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This ruling clears the way for President Nana Akufo-Addo to potentially sign into law one of the continent’s most stringent anti-LGBTQ legislations.
The court’s decision was unanimous, with all seven judges on the panel rejecting separate petitions filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky and academic Amanda Odoi.
The bill, which has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and various human rights organizations, was passed by Ghanaian lawmakers earlier this year. If enacted, it would impose severe penalties, including three years in prison for individuals identifying as LGBTQ and five years for those involved in forming or funding LGBTQ organizations.
President Akufo-Addo had postponed signing the bill while awaiting the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge. However, the judges ruled that they could not review the case until it had been signed into law. The political landscape surrounding this issue is further complicated by opposition leader and incoming president John Mahama’s expressed support for the bill.
Both Odoi and Sky have voiced their disappointment with the ruling and indicated that they will explore their options after reviewing the full judgment. Should the bill become law, it is anticipated to face additional legal challenges from activists and human rights advocates.
As Ghana moves closer to potentially enacting this controversial legislation, concerns grow over its implications for human rights and freedoms within the country and across the region.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-Africanews
