The Supreme Court has postponed its ruling on the injunction application filed by Dr. Amanda Odoi and broadcast journalist Richard Sky regarding the transmission of the anti-LGBTQ bill to the President.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, chairing the five-member panel, stated that an expedited trial would better serve justice. The Supreme Court delivered its rulings on the two injunction applications separately and has since adjourned the case indefinitely.
Richard Dela Sky and Dr. Amanda Odoi filed lawsuits challenging Parliament’s passage of the controversial anti-gay bill. Sky contends that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is unconstitutional, violating multiple provisions of the 1992 constitution and infringing on fundamental human rights.
At the last hearing, Dr. Odoi’s counsel, Dr. Ernest Ackon, argued that the bill, if approved, would impose a direct charge on public funds, violating Article 108.
However, Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame argued that the Speaker’s discretion is constitutionally constrain, warranting the Supreme Court’s decision on the injunction application.
Dr. Odoi seeks an injunction to stop the Speaker from transmitting the bill to the President. Counsel for the Speaker of Parliament, Thaddeus Sory argued that the applicant’s claims about the need for a fiscal impact analysis lack constitutional support, especially since the bill does not explicitly state it will impose a charge on the consolidated fund.
Dr Odoi has raised concerns about specific provisions of the bill and seeks a restraining order to prevent the Speaker, the Attorney General, and the Clerk of Parliament from sending the bill to President Akufo-Addo for approval.
Mr Sory also argued that the bill’s transmission from the Speaker to the President is an ongoing process and not within the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction. He called on the court to dismiss the application.
Source: Myjoyonline
