Anti-gay law unlikely to become law under Akufo-Addo – Martin Kpebu

Lawyer and human rights activist Martin Kpebu has stated that the bill to restrict the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other persons with non-heterosexual sexual orientation, commonly known as the anti-gay law or the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values ​​​​Bill of 2021, which was passed by parliament, is unlikely to come into effect.

This is because the Supreme Court has a limited time to rule on its constitutionality.

According to Mr Kpebu, given the legal schedule for this year, the Supreme Court may not have enough time to decide the case, leaving President Akufo-Addo to pass the bill.

“It will only take a miracle for it to become law. Lawyers will go on vacation and will only deal with emergencies. This gay law does not qualify as an emergency. The court will resume hearings after mid-October, but there are still many steps to be taken before the court makes a decision. In practice, it is unlikely that this bill will become law,” Mr Kpebu explained.

The Supreme Court recently postponed its ruling on whether Parliament has the authority to refer the anti-gay bill to the presidency for approval.