Bagbin charged with contempt over anti-LGBTQ+ bill

Bagbin charged with contempt over anti-LGBTQ+ bill

Dr Amanda Odoi, a researcher, has filed a case in the Supreme Court demanding sanctions against the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for enabling the House to vote on the anti-LGBTQ+ measure despite pending legal actions.

Dr Odoi claims in her lawsuit that the Speaker has displayed disrespect and disdain for legal proceedings.

According to the court filings, Alban Bagbin has repeatedly disobeyed and disregarded the Republic of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the legal process.

“The respondent has consistently violated and shown utter disregard for the Republic of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and the court process.”

“That the respondent’s clear, intentional and continuous disregard of the court process necessitates the Respondent being sanctioned for contempt in the public interest and to protect the dignity of the Court,” the Court documents state.

“That by his conduct in directing or causing Parliament to proceed to a Second Reading of the Bill, in full knowledge of the pending suit and related interlocutory injunction application, the Respondent has disregarded and disrespected the authority of this Court.

“That such disregard interferes with the outcome of the pending litigation, brings the administration of justice into disrepute and undermines public confidence in the judicial system.”

Dr. Odoi is one of two persons who have filed a lawsuit against the Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General in response to the anti-LGBTQ+ bill.

This legal action adds to the continuing debate and controversy around the anti-LGBTQ+ measure, with stakeholders voicing opposing views on the proposed legislation.