Audio By Carbonatix
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George says the court does not have the power to prevent Parliament from passing the Anti-LGBTQ bill.
The vocal proponent of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill says the judiciary should not overstep its boundaries by attempting to dictate the legislative process.
Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show, Mr George questioned the court's willingness to entertain two recent cases brought before it against the bill's passage.
"I'm wondering why the courts are going ahead to even entertain any case at this point in time because the courts must bear in mind that no court can issue a judgment or give directive to the President that you can’t discuss this matter in Cabinet."
He highlighted that while the courts play a crucial role in ensuring due process and keeping the legislation in check, they cannot assume to have the power to impede on Parliament's right to pass laws.
"It is the prerogative of Parliament to pass legislation, and so no court should think that they have the power to tell Parliament that you can pass this bill or you cannot pass this," Mr George stressed.
Citing a previous case involving the Marijuana legislation, Sam George underscored that the courts have the ability to review the legislative process after Parliament has passed a law.
He said in such cases, they can assess whether all necessary procedures were followed and potentially nullify the law if due process was not observed. However, he firmly stated that this should not interfere with Parliament's right to sit and pass laws.
"You can pass a judgment, saying that Parliament did not go through all the processes and nullify the law. But you can't tell Parliament that you cannot sit and pass a law," added Mr. George.
The proposed LGBT Bill has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.
The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.
While it has generated support from certain segments of society who believe it aligns with Ghana's cultural and religious values, it has also drawn criticism from human rights organizations and advocates who argue that it infringes upon the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Latest Stories
-
Tano North farmers threaten demonstration against Newmont ‘unfair compensation’
6 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Richmond Opoku brace sees Young Apostles draw with Hohoe United
11 minutes -
Over 75% of NPP Parliamentary candidates outpolled Bawumia in 2024 – Bryan Acheampong
35 minutes -
Kyebi Zongo to become a model for excellence, environmental stewardship – Chief of Kyebi Zongo
57 minutes -
Bridge for Billions open applications for Ghana Social Entrepreneurs in Healthcare Programme
1 hour -
53 arrested in major cybercrime ring bust in Accra
1 hour -
Prudential Bank shines again in Customer Experience Rankings
1 hour -
Photos: Vice President strengthens regional ties at Guinea Presidential inauguration
2 hours -
Driver injured in accident on Ejisu Manhyia-Adadientem road
3 hours -
Public lands should be managed by Lands Commission – Dr Godwin Djokoto
3 hours -
JoyNews uncovers details behind arrest of 17 Burkinabe soldiers by Ghanaian security officials
3 hours -
Fixing public transportation chaos in Accra goes beyond the procurement of buses
3 hours -
Police arrest aide to NTMT boss amid intensified crackdown on illegal logging
3 hours -
Accra transport breakdown linked to fragmented planning – CUTS
3 hours -
Coconut Grove Regency CEO urges deliberate tourism, better sanitation and local production
4 hours
