Lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo, representing journalist Richard Dela Sky, has hinted at a possible return to the Supreme Court if further concerns arise regarding the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
Speaking on ABC Midday, Abaidoo explained, “Our remit of seeking justice is not totally closed. We can go back to the court if we still have concerns which we believe must be addressed. But it is too premature at this stage to say we are doing ABCD.”
Abaidoo expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the bill, highlighting provisions he described as violations of constitutional freedoms.
He stated, “We see a lot of constitutional breaches in the bill. For instance, the guarantee of freedom of association, an entrenched provision in the constitution, is contradicted by the bill’s prohibition of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. The sanction for such advocacy is a custodial sentence, which we find very harsh.”
He also emphasized that the team is waiting to receive the full reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s ruling before taking any further steps.
The Supreme Court dismissed two petitions against the bill on December 18, ruling that the challenges were premature since the bill has not yet been signed into law.
Justice Lovelace Avril Johnson, who presided over the seven-member panel, clarified that legislative processes are not subject to constitutional review until a bill becomes enforceable law.
Despite this setback, Abaidoo reiterated, “I would like to see the full judgment of the Supreme Court before I commit myself to any such task.”
