Gender activist Dr. Amanda Odoi has taken legal action in response to the recent passage of the anti-gay bill by filing an application for an interlocutory injunction against the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Parliament approved the bill on February 28, 2024, effectively criminalizing LGBTQ+ activities, including their promotion, advocacy, and funding. The legislation imposes varying prison sentences, with individuals found in violation facing imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years, while promoters and sponsors of such activities could be subjected to jail terms between 3 and 5 years.
Dr. Odoi’s opposition to the bill centers around specific provisions within the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which she believes to be problematic. In her application, she seeks a restraining order to prevent the Speaker, Attorney General, and Clerk of Parliament from forwarding the bill to President Akufo-Addo for his approval. This legal action reflects her determination to challenge the legislation and its potential impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights.
“PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Dr. Ernest Ako, Esq., Counsel for and on behalf of the Applicant herein, will move this Honourable Court on an application praying for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the 1st Defendant/Respondent, the Clerk of Parliament, and their respective agents, servants, and assigns from forwarding the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, which was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024 (“the Bill”), to the President for his assent, pending the final determination of this Suit upon the grounds set out in the accompanying Affidavit and for such order(s) as the Honourable Court may deem fit. A- 1,1,0(33 Court to be moved on the day of 2024, at 9 o’clock in the forenoon or so soon thereafter as Counsel may be heard.”
