Tag: anti-LGBTQI Bill

  • My vote will depend on Akufo-Addo’s final verdict on anti-LGBTQI bill – Edem Senanu

    Co-chair of the Citizens Movement against Corruption, Edem Senanu, has expressed his intention to cast his vote in the upcoming elections based on how the Presidency handles the anti-LGBTQI bill.

    He voiced dissatisfaction with the way the bill has been handled thus far by the Presidency.

    During an appearance on the Key Points program on TV3, he criticized the unprecedented situation where the President claimed awareness of a lawsuit even before its filing, emphasizing the political implications of the issue.

    “It has never happened in the history of this country that a bill is sent to the president before he receives it he says he is aware of a suit which has not even been filed. this is a political issue, it has implications for us, the party must recognize that those of us watching will vote based on how the bill is treated.

    “My vote will count on its bill, let us serve this notice.”

    Senanu emphasized that voters like himself will consider the treatment of the bill in deciding their votes, issuing a notice to that effect.

    The Supreme Court indefinitely adjourned the case related to the anti-LGBTQI bill, citing documents presented by the Speaker of Parliament containing objectionable language.

    The court instructed the Speaker’s lawyers to submit new documents. Despite the dismissal of the Speaker’s lawyer’s preliminary objection, the court permitted amendments to the motion for injunction sought by broadcast journalist Richard Sky, over the Speaker’s objections.

    Chief Justice Gertrude Torkoornoo, leading the Apex Court, criticized the unnecessary preliminary objection and emphasized parties’ rights to present appropriate formulations of their reliefs.

    The Chief Justice rebuked the Speaker’s lawyers for wasting the court’s time.

    Meanwhile, Ghanaian journalist Richard Dela Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi are scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court to advance their respective lawsuits contesting the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.

  • We know Ghana will not sign anti-LGBT+ Bill – EU

    We know Ghana will not sign anti-LGBT+ Bill – EU

    The European Parliament has conveyed trust in Ghana’s adherence to its human rights commitments, expressing hope that the controversial Promotion of Human Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the Anti-LGBT+ bill, will not be enacted into law.

    Commissioner for Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, speaking on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, underscored the EU’s position in a speech. He highlighted Ghana’s ongoing dedication to human rights, which has faced scrutiny following the bill’s passage in the Ghanaian Parliament.

    “The constitutionality of the Bill has been challenged and it is currently scrutinised by the Supreme Court. It is also to be noted that the Bill also still requires presidential assent to enter into force.

    The President has publicly reiterated his commitment to the respect of Human Rights and has expressed his concern about seeing a ‘backsliding‘ on human rights in the event of the adoption of the Bill.

    “Senior members of the Ghanaian Government have also highlighted the Bill’s potential financial consequences and losses for the 2024 budget.

    “We are, therefore, confident that Ghana will stand firm in the commitments it has made on national and international Human Rights,” he stated.

    After enduring years of deliberation in parliament and navigating through various stages, the bill faced persistent opposition and efforts by its opponents to either nullify it entirely or at least amend certain sections. Nevertheless, on February 28, 2024, parliament ultimately passed the bill.

    Amid mounting concerns surrounding the legislation, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has opted to await the Supreme Court’s ruling before making a decision regarding the bill’s assent.