Supreme Court to hear anti-LGBTQ cases on October 31

The Supreme Court has scheduled Thursday, October 31, to resume hearings on applications filed by journalist and legal practitioner Richard Dela-Sky and gender activist Dr. Amanda Odoi against the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.

Richard Dela-Sky is challenging the bill’s constitutionality, while Dr. Odoi has filed an injunction against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney-General, aiming to prevent the bill from being sent to President Akufo-Addo for assent. Her application seeks a court order to restrain the Speaker, the Attorney-General, and the Clerk of Parliament from advancing the bill further.

At the last hearing, lawyers representing the Speaker of Parliament were directed to submit their disclosures within seven days after acknowledging their delayed filing, which had contributed to setbacks in the case’s progress.

Since July, the hearing has faced multiple delays. Supporters of the anti-LGBTQ Bill, frustrated with the pace of the judicial process, have organized demonstrations, urging the court to expedite the case.