Source: newsthemegh.com
Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has pleaded with the Chief Justice to allow live broadcast of hearings concerning the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, also referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
The Attorney General made the request in a letter to the Chief Justice, citing the strong public interest in the anti-gay bill as justification.
“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). he mentioned.
“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.” he reiterated.
He particularly cited cases from the High Court and Supreme Court that would evaluate the bill’s validity.
Today Wednesday, May 8, 2024, broadcast journalist Richard Dela Sky and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi are scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court to present their individual lawsuits contesting the enactment of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill and its potential ratification.
A private legal practitioner, Richard Sky is contesting the validity of Parliament’s passage of the bill, arguing that it violates multiple clauses of the Constitution of 1992. In an effort to void the law and stop its implementation, he is requesting a number of proclamations and directives.
The bill was approved by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, and it prohibits funding, advocacy, and promotion of LGBTQ activities.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has not yet signed the bill, though, as he awaits the Supreme Court’s decision.
The demand for live broadcast is indicative of the importance it is for the public to be informed of this important issue and to have transparency surrounding it.