Sponsors of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the Anti-Gay Bill, will hold a peaceful march to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to protest the delays in the bill’s determination.
Participants will convene at the Obra Spot at Circle in Accra before proceeding to submit a petition to both the Attorney General and the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkonoo.
This action aims to expedite the bill, which has been pending since its passage by Parliament on February 28, 2024.
The peaceful walk, originally planned two months ago, will include various religious groups and stakeholders.
The decision to protest follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 17, 2024, which postponed judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal matters are resolved.
The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. During the march, the sponsors will formally petition Chief Justice Torkonoo to set a date for the final ruling, highlighting the ongoing and intense debate over LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, Sam George, the lead advocate for the bill, expressed frustration over the Supreme Court’s delay in scheduling a hearing date.
He emphasized that the court’s inaction undermines the urgency of this national issue.
“We will be going to both the Chief Justice and the Attorney General. We do [have the backing of police]. In fact, [on Sunday] we were out along the entire route with the regional commander and his 2IC and everything is as it should be. Everything is fine with the police. Obra Spot is the converging point. Supreme Court is the concluding point,” he further stated.
He added, “…It is multi-party, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and so there are no party colours. We welcome there only the Ghana flag colours. So people are supposed to appear in the national colours, red, black, yellow, green and we are handing out Ghana flags to everybody who comes there.”
