Ghana’s Supreme Court Begins Hearings on Controversial Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

Accra, Ghana - Ghana's Supreme Court has initiated hearings on a significant legal challenge against the anti-LGBTQ+ bill that was passed by Parliament in February.

The bill, which has sparked intense debate both nationally and internationally, includes provisions for a three-year jail term for individuals who identify as gay and five to ten years for those advocating for LGBT rights.

The challenge to the bill was brought forward by lawyer and journalist Richard Dela Sky, who successfully petitioned the court to consider the legality of the legislative measure.

A second lawsuit filed by academic researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi also seeks to contest the constitutionality of the bill.

Both cases argue for judicial intervention to prevent the Speaker and Clerk of Parliament from forwarding the bill to President Nana Akufo Addo for his signature, thus stopping it from becoming law.

The first day of hearings was marked by a tense atmosphere, with vigorous exchanges between the legal representatives of the involved parties and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who noted the "intemperate" language used in some of the sworn statements.

She expressed her intent to issue directives aimed at moderating the discourse within the courtroom.

Given the bill's contentious nature, the hearings have attracted substantial attention, prompting the court to broadcast the proceedings live on television to cater to the keen interest among the Ghanaian public.

This move underscores the high stakes and widespread impact of the court's decision on the matter.

President Akufo Addo has previously stated that he will await the outcome of the Supreme Court's deliberations before deciding whether to sign the bill into law.

The case has been adjourned until May 17, as the nation and observers from around the world await further developments in this critical legal battle over human rights in Ghana.