Advocates of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-Gay Bill, have announced a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2024, aimed at urging the Supreme Court to expedite its ruling on the bill.
The march will kick off at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, with participants heading towards the Supreme Court to submit petitions to the Attorney General and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Organisers, including religious bodies and key stakeholders, initially planned the demonstration for two months earlier, but it was postponed following a Supreme Court decision on July 17, 2024, to delay its final ruling on anti-gay cases until outstanding legal concerns are addressed.
With the bill currently in limbo since its passage by Parliament on February 28, 2024, the protest seeks to prompt a resolution.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Act, 2024, seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, targeting not only individuals engaging in such practices but also those advocating, promoting, or financially supporting these activities.
Under the law, offenders face prison sentences of 6 months to 3 years, while sponsors and promoters could receive jail terms ranging from 3 to 5 years.
Despite its passage in Parliament, the bill has encountered significant legal opposition. Lawsuits filed by private lawyer Richard Dela Sky, gender activist Dr. Amanda Odoi, and University of Ghana law lecturer Prince Obiri-Korang aim to challenge the bill’s constitutionality.
Additionally, the bill awaits President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s signature, amid concerns over international backlash and the potential economic impact on Ghana.
Originally introduced in 2021, the bill has ignited fierce public debate, with supporters calling for the protection of traditional family values, while critics argue that the legislation infringes on human rights.
As the national conversation around LGBTQ+ rights continues, the protesters hope to push the Supreme Court towards a final decision.
