The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has accused the Chief Justice of acting maliciously in the anti-LGBTQ bill case. He says the decision of the Supreme Court to ‘freeze’ the provisions of Article 106 of the Constitution is problematic. The legislator, who is the lead sponsor of the ‘Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill’ (also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill), argued that the Chief Justice “cannot determine for herself when and how she will hear the case.”
“There was a ruling that was supposed to be given on the 17th of July. She [the Chief Justice] came and unilaterally decided to stay that ruling. She cannot impose an injunction on Parliament suo motu,” he told TV3 on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. According to him, the conduct of the Chief Justice amounts to an “abuse of her powers under Article 296 of the Constitution.”
The Supreme Court on July 17, 2024, deferred the ruling on the request to restrain Parliament from transmitting the Anti-LGBT bill filed by Dr. Amanda Odoi until the substantive case is heard and determined. The five-member panel, chaired by Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo deferred the pronouncement on the application for an interlocutory injunction against the transmission of the anti-gay bill to the presidency by Parliament on Wednesday, July 17. The case has been adjourned indefinitely. But Sam George maintains that the Chief Justice is “acting arbitrarily, capriciously and maliciously.”
Protest and petition
Sam George and other sponsors of the bill are expected to demonstrate on September 17 against the Chief Justice. They will present a petition to demand a timetable on the hearing and determination of the case.
By: Christian Yalley
