By Beatrice Oppon & Priscilla Owusu Ansah
The Supreme Court has adjourned to December 18, 2024, to deliver judgment on the two separate suits challenging the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill popularly known as the anti-gay Bill by Parliament.
Plaintiffs of the suits, a Researcher, Dr Amanda Odoi and Private Legal Practitioner Richard Dela Sky are challenging the passage of the Bill citing Constitutional violations.
The plaintiffs argue that the Bill contravenes the Human Rights provisions in the Constitution.
They further contend that its introduction to Parliament as a Private Members Bill have an impact on the Consolidated Fund and other Public Funds.
The Bill which prohibits LGBTQ activities and their promotion, support and funding was passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024.
The Supreme Court granted leave to Counsel for Mr Sky, Paa Kwasi Abaidoo to formally amend his Statement of Case by November 22, 2024.
Counsel for the Speaker Thadeus Sory and the Attorney General are to file their responses by November 27, 2024.
Mr Abaidoo made a submission where he provided additional information to paragraph 64 of the Plaintiff’s Statement of Case. He further drew the court’s attention to Section 100 sub section 1 of Act 921.
He contended that both the Public Financial Management Act and the Public Financial Management Regulation make it mandatory to provide data on the fiscal impact analysis when introducing a Private Members Bill. In the case of Dr Amanda Odoi, the parties prayed the court to adopt their Memorandum of Issues. Mr Abaidoo gives highlights on the proceedings to the media.
Paa Kwasi Abaidoo is lawyer for Richard Dela Sky who has sued Parliament and the Attorney-General over the passage of the anti-gay bill.
