Cease from transmitting anti-LGBTQ bill to President until Supreme Court case is resolved - Presidency to Parliament

The Office of the President has formally asked Parliament to hold off on forwarding the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill, also known as the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, to President Akufo-Addo for his approval. 

This request was made in an official letter dated Monday, March 18, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo. 

The plea comes amidst two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction currently under review by the Supreme Court.

The letter underscores the impropriety of Parliament proceeding with transmitting the Bill to President Akufo-Addo for any action until the court addresses the pending matters. It also reveals that the Attorney-General has advised the President against taking any action regarding the Bill until the legal issues are resolved by the Supreme Court.

The letter states, "It is the understanding of this Office that both applications have also been duly served on Parliament. Therefore, it would be improper for you to transmit the Bill to the President and equally improper for this Office to receive the Bill until the Supreme Court determines the matters raised in the suits."

Moreover, the letter also stated an incident on Thursday, March 14, where Parliament attempted to transmit the Bill to the President while he and some cabinet members were attending a retreat at Peduase.

"It has come to the attention of this Office that while the President and other senior officials of the Presidency were at Peduase for a Cabinet Retreat on Thursday, 14th March 2024, you attempted to submit the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2024 (the "Bill"') to Jubilee House for the President to signify his assent or otherwise to the Bill."