In a significant setback for the LGBTQ community in Africa, Ghana’s highest court has rejected two legal challenges against the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
This decision clears the path for the president to enact one of the most stringent anti-LGBTQ laws on the continent.
The Supreme Court’s panel, consisting of all seven judges, dismissed the separate petitions brought forth by journalist and attorney Richard Dela Sky and academic Amanda Odoi.
The bill, which has faced condemnation from the United Nations and various human rights organizations, was approved by Ghanaian lawmakers earlier this year.
Should it become law, it would impose a three-year prison sentence for individuals identifying as LGBTQ and a five-year sentence for those involved in the formation or funding of LGBTQ organizations.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose presidency concludes on January 7, had postponed signing the bill while awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.
However, the judges indicated that the case could not be reconsidered until the bill is officially signed into law.
Opposition leader and future president, John Mahama, has voiced his support for the legislation.
Odoi and Sky have expressed their disappointment with the ruling and plan to explore their options after reviewing the complete judgment.
