The Office of the President has requested Parliament not to forward the anti-LGBTQ bill to President Akufo-Addo for his assent.

This decision, according to Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Secretary to the President, is based on the recognition of two pending applications for an order of interlocutory injunction before the Supreme Court.

These applications aim to prevent Parliament from sending the bill to the President and to restrain the President from giving his assent to the bill until the final determination of the matter.

In a statement issued and signed by Nana Bediatuo on Monday, the office revealed that the Attorney-General had informed the President, via a letter dated March 18, 2024, that he had been duly served with both applications.

The statement further disclosed that the Attorney-General had advised the President not to take any action regarding the bill until the issues raised by the suits are resolved by the Supreme Court.

“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,” it added.

The Office also clarified that it is a well-established legal principle that during the consideration of an interlocutory injunction application, the status quo should be maintained. This means that no action should be taken that could prejudice the requested injunctive relief or undermine the authority of the court.

“In the circumstances, you are kindly requested to cease and desist from transmitting the Bill to the President until the matters before the Supreme Court are resolved,” it added.

On Wednesday, February 28, Parliament unanimously passed the anti-LGBTQ+ bill after completing the third reading. The bill has been a subject of intense debate and discussion since its introduction to the legislature three years ago.

Proponents argue that it is necessary to uphold cultural and religious values, while opponents argue that certain provisions violate human rights and promote discrimination.

Since its passage, many opponents have expressed their displeasure, with some civil society groups threatening legal action should President Akufo-Addo assent to the bill for it to become law.

President Akufo-Addo has withheld his accent as the constitutionality of the bill is being contested at the Supreme Court.