Attorney General proposes live coverage of anti-LGBTQ+ bill proceedings
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has requested the Chief Justice to permit live coverage of proceedings related to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The bill, which prohibits LGBTQ+ activities and their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice, the Attorney General cited significant public interest in the bill as the basis for the request.
“Respectfully, in view of the public interest in the cases concerning the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 (the Bill), I would like to recommend that the media (including radio and television) be given full access to the relevant courts to undertake coverage of all proceedings in those cases concerning the Bill.”
“The cases under reference are as follows: Supreme Court 1. Dr. Amanda Odoi v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. J1/13/2023), and 2. Richard Dela Sky v The Parliament of Ghana and Another (Suit No. J1/9/2024).
“High Court 1. Mr. Paul Boama-Sefa v The Speaker of Parliament and Another (Suit No. D45/SF.128/2023), and 2. Dr. Prince Obiri-Korang v The Attorney-General (Suit No. J1/18/2021)
“It is my respectful view that the transparency to be engendered by a coverage of the proceedings would be in the best interest of the administration of justice.”
Background
Broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi are set to appear before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, to move their respective lawsuits challenging the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill and its possible assent.
Richard Sky, a private legal practitioner, is challenging the constitutionality of Parliament’s passing of the bill, contending that it violates several provisions of the 1992 Constitution.
He is seeking various declarations and orders to nullify the bill and prevent its enforcement.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has since declined to receive the bill, pointing to the two pending cases at the Supreme Court as the basis.
The President has yet to assent to the bill, awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The request for live coverage reflects the importance of transparency and public awareness surrounding this contentious issue.