Anti-gay bill: Proponents protest against CJ, delay of cases today

Proponents of the Ghaianan Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often labeled the anti-gay bill, are organizing a protest today, October 8, to voice their frustration over the prolonged delays in the bill’s approval.

The protest seeks the president’s prompt endorsement of the bill, which has been pending since Parliament passed it on February 28.

These delays have been exacerbated by a Supreme Court ruling on July 17, which deferred judgments on anti-gay cases until all related legal issues are resolved.

In an interview with Citi News monitored by African Editors, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and the bill’s chief advocate, Samuel Nartey George, emphasized that the Chief Justice has the power to expedite the resolution of the matter if deemed necessary.

“The Chief Justice can require all parties to submit their documents within the timeframes set by the Rules of Procedure, such as filing a statement of claim within 14 days. This responsibility lies with the Chief Justice.

“If everyone is allowed a year to submit their documents, the Chief Justice must assess whether that reflects proper justice delivery, where parties dictate their own timelines.

“Justice delayed is justice denied, and timely justice is essential for an effective legal system. Therefore, the Chief Justice must take action”.