Advocates for Christ Ghana to stage peaceful march to demand timely ruling on LGBT+ Bill

A coalition of pro-family organizations, religious groups, and civil society bodies are set to stage a peaceful march on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, in Accra.

The demonstration aims to demand timely judicial action on the Pro-Family Values Bill or LGBTQ+ Bill, which has been pending before the Supreme Court of Ghana.

The march is being organized by Advocates for Christ Ghana, the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, traditional rulers, the Muslim Ummah, and Christian ecumenical bodies across the country.

The groups are calling for the judiciary to expedite the hearing and ruling on two cases that seek to prevent Parliament from transmitting the Pro-Family Values Bill to the Presidency.

On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, chaired by her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, deferred ruling on the cases brought before it, stating that the decisions would be incorporated into the final judgment.

The ruling temporarily prevents Parliament from forwarding the bill to the Presidency, effectively delaying the legislative process.

The Supreme Court also suggested an early trial to address the matter promptly.

However, nearly six weeks later, there has been no indication of a schedule or actions to ensure a swift trial, prompting concerns among citizens and advocates over the delay in justice delivery.

The peaceful march will begin at 7:00 a.m. GMT on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Obra Spot, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and will end at the Supreme Court of Ghana.

Organizers have urged leaders of various Christian denominations, churches, para-church groups, and ministries to announce the march details to their members over the next two weeks.

The march aims to encourage the judiciary, particularly the Chief Justice, to expedite the case and avoid further delays.

Advocates argue that without a prompt hearing, the Pro-Family Values Bill may not be concluded this year, potentially resulting in three years of legislative effort being wasted and significant financial loss to the state.

Speaking on behalf of the organizing groups, Kesenanu Edem Senanu, Chairman of Advocates for Christ Ghana, emphasized the need for timely and effective access to justice for all citizens, even during judicial breaks or vacations.

He called on members of all Christian groups to actively participate in the march to present their petition to the Supreme Court.

“This march is about urging the judiciary to act with greater urgency and commitment to ensure that the legitimate hopes and aspirations of over 90% of Ghanaians are not undermined by unnecessary delays,” Mr. Senanu stated.

He further added that failure to expedite the case could lead to an "unacceptable miscarriage of justice."