Hon. Sam George, lead sponsor of the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has expressed frustration over the Supreme Court’s delayed hearing of two cases related to the bill.
These cases, which have been pending since July 2024, involve legal challenges that could have significant implications for both the legislative and executive branches of government.
In his remarks, Hon. George criticized the prolonged delay and stressed the need for swift judicial action, arguing that these cases should be given precedence due to their impact on the country’s governance.
“There is no matter before the Supreme Court that is more important than determining a matter that affects both legislature and executive. Therefore, we believe this must be primus inter pares.”
Hon. Sam George, MP for Ningo Prampram
The Supreme Court has thus far declined to rule on applications seeking to injunct Parliament from transmitting the bill to the President. Instead, the court promised an expedited hearing of the substantive case. However, nearly four months have passed since these cases were filed, with the Supreme Court yet to begin hearings.
Hon. Sam George expressed particular concern over the delay, pointing out that similar cases have been resolved in the past.
“We believe that and hold the view that in light of the judgement of the Supreme Court in that case which deals extensively with the same matters raised by Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky, Chief Justice must empanel the Supreme Court and determine the matter in tandem with what her colleagues in that panel have done.”
Hon. Sam George, MP for Ningo Prampram
The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the “Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill,” has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana since it was first introduced in Parliament.
The bill seeks to criminalize the promotion, advocacy, and practice of LGBTQ+ rights in the country, prescribing severe penalties for those found guilty of promoting or participating in such activities.
Proponents of the bill, including Hon. Sam George, argue that it is essential to preserve Ghana’s traditional values and moral standards.
They contend that the bill is a necessary response to what they perceive as increasing pressure from international bodies and advocacy groups to accept practices that are inconsistent with Ghana’s cultural and religious beliefs.
Critics, on the other hand, have expressed deep concern over the bill’s potential to infringe on human rights, arguing that it could lead to widespread discrimination, stigmatization, and persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals.
International human rights organizations have called on Ghana to reconsider the bill, warning of potential repercussions, including sanctions from global institutions.
Demonstration Postponed
In a related development, Hon. George announced the postponement of a planned demonstration against Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, who has been accused of delaying the determination of the cases.
The demonstration, originally scheduled for September 17, has been rescheduled to October 8 due to a conflicting political event concerning the Electoral Commission.
“The people of Ghana deserve justice. We urge the Supreme Court to prioritize these cases and deliver a timely verdict that addresses the concerns raised by Amanda Odoi and Richard Dela Sky.”
Hon. Sam George, MP for Ningo Prampram
The postponement, however, has done little to quell the frustration among bill supporters, who feel that the judiciary is not acting swiftly enough to resolve the legal challenges.
In July 2024, applications were filed to injunct Parliament from transmitting the bill to the President for assent, pending the Supreme Court’s determination of the substantive case. The Court, however, declined to rule on these injunction applications but promised an expedited hearing of the main case.
Since then, no hearing dates have been set, leading to growing frustration from Hon. George and other supporters of the bill. George argued that the Supreme Court’s inaction is hampering progress on a matter of national importance, particularly one that involves both the legislative and executive arms of government.
The delay continues to be a source of frustration, particularly for proponents like Hon. Sam George, who see the bill as a critical step in defending Ghana’s traditional family values.
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