Supreme Court Delays Ruling on Anti-LGBTQ Bill, to Conduct Early Trial Instead
In a surprise move, the Supreme Court of Ghana has decided to hold off on its expected ruling on injunction applications related to the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill. Instead, the court will conduct an early trial for the original lawsuits filed by Dr. Amada Odoi and Richard Dela Sky, seeking declarations on the bill’s unconstitutionality and violations.
At a hearing on Wednesday, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo led the panel of justices, who explained that an early trial would better serve the course of justice. According to Justice Torkornoo, the trial will provide a clear view of the constitutional issues raised, rather than a prolonged dispute over interlocutory matters.
The court has decided to reserve its verdict on the interlocutory application until the final determination of the substantive suit. This means that the ruling on the injunctions will be delivered on the same day as the final judgment on the original suits. The court believes that a consolidated decision will provide context and clarity to the issues raised by the plaintiffs.
The start of the hearings on the substantive suit has been adjourned indefinitely, and parties have been asked to file legal documents to be relied on during the trial. The exact date for the start of the hearings is yet to be determined.
This development comes as a surprise to many, as the court’s decision to delay the ruling on the injunction applications was not expected. The anti-LGBTQ bill has been a contentious issue in Ghana, with many arguing that it is unconstitutional and violates human rights. The Supreme Court’s decision to conduct an early trial will likely be closely watched by all parties involved.
