Anti-LGBT+ Bill: Allow for LIVE telecast of sittings - Godfred Dame writes to CJ

The government through the office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has called for all lawsuits around the anti-LGBT+ Bill to be telecast live.

According to a letter dated May 7, 2024; A-G Godfred Dame cited public interest as the main reason for his recommendation to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.

"Respectfully, in view of the public interest in the cases concerning the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2024 (the 'Bill') I would like to recommend that the media (including radio and television) be given full access to the relevant courts to undertake a coverage of all proceedings in those cases concerning the Bill," the statement read in part.

It listed the four cases in question, two at the Supreme Court and the others in the High Court.

The A-G stressed that it was his view that the transparency associated with the live coverage of proceedings "would be in the best interest of the administration of justice."

The Judicial Service has yet to respond to the recommendation at the time of filing this report.

The Bill has garnered significant interest since it was passed by Parliament earlier this year. President Akufo-Addo has withheld assent citing the two cases in the Supreme Court.

Background

Richard Dela Sky, a Broadcast Journalist and private legal practitioner, and researcher Dr. Amanda Odoi filed legal suits at Ghana’s Apex Court challenging the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill by parliament.

In his suit, Richard Dela Sky is challenging the constitutionality of Parliament in passing the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.”

The Plaintiff is also seeking that the apex court declare the bill null and void. He argues that the passage of the bill violates provisions of the 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 33(5), as well as Articles 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1) (a) (b) (d) and (e).

The lawsuits, which have since stalled the transmission of the bill to the Presidency for President Akufo-Addo's assent, have generated national interest and discourse.

See the A-G's letter to the CJ below:



SARA