Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two legal challenges to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, clearing the way for the legislation to become law. The ruling is seen as a setback for LGBTQ rights in the country and across Africa.
The Supreme Court’s seven-judge panel rejected separate petitions filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, as well as academic Amanda Odoi, who had argued that the bill was unconstitutional.
The bill, passed by Ghanaian lawmakers earlier this year, has drawn condemnation from the United Nations and human rights organizations. If signed into law, it would impose prison sentences of up to three years for individuals identifying as LGBTQ and five years for those found guilty of forming or funding LGBTQ organizations.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term ends on January 7, had postponed signing the bill into law while awaiting the court’s decision. However, the court ruled that the case could not be reviewed until the bill is officially enacted.
Opposition leader and incoming president, John Mahama, has expressed support for the bill, despite international criticism.
Sky and Odoi expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling, saying they would explore their options after reviewing the full judgment. Legal experts suggest that the bill, if enacted, could face further legal challenges in the future.
