Supreme Court Grants 7-Day Extension to Attorney General in High-Profile Anti-Gay Bill Case

Supreme Court Grants Attorney General a Seven-Day Extension in Anti-Gay Bill Case

Supreme Court Grants 7-Day Extension

The Supreme Court of Ghana has granted the Attorney General’s Department a seven-day extension to submit its statement of case in a significant legal challenge concerning the Ghanaian Family Values Bill. This case involves journalist and legal practitioner Richard Dela Sky, who is contesting the constitutionality of the bill against the Speaker of Parliament.

The additional time was awarded during court proceedings where the State Attorney also sought to compel the Speaker’s legal team to provide a report on a Financial Impact Analysis related to the proposed legislation. The State Attorney emphasized that understanding the financial implications of the Family Values Bill could be crucial to the court’s decision-making process. The Family Values Bill has generated considerable controversy since its introduction, with its primary objective being to promote specific traditional family norms and values. However, opponents argue that it threatens individual rights, particularly those of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population.

Richard Dela Sky, as the plaintiff, asserts that the bill violates fundamental human rights enshrined in the Ghanaian Constitution, such as the right to equality and freedom from discrimination. He contends that the legislation could result in heightened discrimination against vulnerable groups and infringe upon the dignity of individuals.

Additionally, he has requested the Supreme Court to issue an order preventing the President from assenting to the bill, as such approval would directly contravene constitutional protections for the liberties and rights of all Ghanaians.

The requested Financial Impact Analysis is seen as vital to understanding the economic consequences of the bill and its compatibility with the national budget and social services. With the Supreme Court allowing this extension, the Attorney General’s Department now has additional time to prepare its response to the issues raised in this high-stakes case.