The Supreme Court has addressed concerns regarding the delayed hearing of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill.
During a press briefing, the Supreme Court Registrar, Justice Ellen Ofei-Ayeh(Mrs), clarified that none of the parties involved in the case—Dr. Amanda Odoi, Richard Sky, the Attorney General, and Parliament’s legal team—have filed their responses or defenses, as directed by the Supreme Court.
Her statement comes in response to a planned demonstration by supporters of the bill, scheduled for today October 8, 2024.
The demonstrators aim to express their dissatisfaction with the delay in the Supreme Court’s handling of the case.
Mrs. Ofie- Ayeh, reassured the public that the Supreme Court is fully prepared to hear the matter once all parties submit the required legal documents.
She emphasized that the court’s doors remain open for the filing of all necessary processes.
She also disclosed that Parliament’s lawyer has submitted an application seeking permission to file a defense, despite exceeding the 14-day deadline set by the court’s procedural rules.
Meanwhile, proponents of the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-gay bill, are set to protest today, Tuesday, October 8, to express frustration over the delays in the bill’s final approval.
The protest aims to push for the president’s immediate assent to the bill, which has been awaiting action since Parliament passed it on February 28.
The delays have been further compounded by a Supreme Court ruling on July 17, which postponed judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal matters are addressed.
