Ghana’s Supreme Court has on Thursday, October 31, 2024, granted the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General a seven-day extension to file its statement of case in the matter involving Richard Dela Sky and the Speaker of Parliament.
Mr. Sky, a private legal practitioner, is challenging the constitutionality of the Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as Anti-LGBTQ/Gay bill.
At the hearing on Thursday, the Speaker’s legal team were compelled by the State Attorney to submit a report on a Financial Impact Analysis related to the Family Values Bill.
According to the State Attorney, the financial impact of the bill on the state would impact the outcome of the case, emphasizing the importance of understanding the financial implications of the proposed legislation.
The Ghanaian Family Values Bill, passed by Parliament on February 28, 2024, has not been assented by the President following a suit by two citizens, including Mr. Sky’s which is challenging the legality of the bill.
The bill aims to promote certain traditional family values and norms, but critics argue that it could infringe on individual rights, particularly those of marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Mr. Sky says the bill, if made a law, will infringe on the fundamental human rights guaranteed in the constitution for Ghanaians such as equality before the law and freedom from discrimination.
Dela Sky contends that the Family Values Bill contravenes constitutional provisions that protect the rights of all citizens. He argues that the bill could lead to increased discrimination against vulnerable populations and undermine the dignity of individuals.
Sky also wants the Supreme Court to give an “order restraining the President of the Republic from assenting to ‘The Human and Sexual Values Bill, 2024,’ as such action will directly contravene the constitutional safeguards of liberties and rights of Ghanaians.”
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