The Supreme Court is scheduled to convene today, Wednesday, July 3, to address two lawsuits brought forward by broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi concerning Parliament’s passage of the controversial anti-gay bill.
Richard Dela Sky is challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, seeking a declaration that the bill violates multiple provisions of the 1992 Constitution and infringes upon fundamental human rights guaranteed therein.
Dr. Amanda Odoi has expressed concerns about specific provisions within the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. She is additionally seeking a restraining order to prevent the Speaker, the Attorney General, and the Clerk of Parliament from sending the bill to President Akufo-Addo for approval.
Following this, the presidency has instructed Parliament to withhold the transmission of the bill until the court addresses the pending legal challenges.
A notice dated June 14, 2024, from the registrar of the Supreme Court, Her Honour Ellen Ofei-Ayeh, confirms that the case has been scheduled for July 3.
The notice was issued to Richard Sky, represented by Cudjoe Arthur Chambers, the Speaker of Parliament represented by Thaddeus Sory, and the Attorney General.
“Take notice that the above-mentioned case has been fixed for Wednesday, the 3rd day of July 2024 at 9:30 am for hearing. If the case is called and you do not appear to answer, the Court will proceed to hear same without you,” the hearing notice read.