ACCRA,
Ghana
The Supreme Court of Ghana has commenced deliberations on the challenge to the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed by parliament earlier this year.
Richard Dela Sky, a lawyer and
journalist, was granted permission by the court to contest the contentious
bill, which imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals
identifying as LGBTQ+ or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
The lawsuit, which was filed
in March, sought to halt the bill's progress, urging the court to prevent
parliamentary officials from forwarding the bill to the president for approval
and to block President Nana Akufo Addo from enacting it into law.
The initial day of proceedings
was marked by tension, characterized by impassioned arguments between legal
representatives and the Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Torkornoo expressed
dismay at the inflammatory language used in some affidavits, cautioning against
its use in future submissions.
The hearings, presided over by
Chief Justice Torkornoo and four other Supreme Court judges, were broadcast
live on television due to widespread public interest.
President Akufo Addo has
indicated his intent to await the Supreme Court's ruling before deciding on the
bill's fate.
The case has been adjourned
until May 17th.
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