Ghana
A court in Ghana on Monday, April 29 dismissed a legal challenge against President Nana Akufo-Addo's decision on the anti-LGBTQ bill.
Lawmakers passed a law in February to tighten controls on LGBTQ rights. They want Akufo-Addo to make it official. But the president won't do it yet. He wants two legal cases against the bill to finish first. This made some in parliament unhappy.
One lawmaker, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, didn't like the delay. He went to court. But on Monday, the court said no to his challenge.
READ ALSO: Ghana president caught in squabble over anti-LGBTQ bill
Justice Ellen Lordina Serwaa Mireku said it's not right to force Akufo-Addo to act on a bill facing two court cases.
Dafeamekpor's lawyer plans to appeal.
The law in Ghana
Gay sex is already against the law in Ghana, carrying a prison term of up to three years.
If this new bill passes, it will make the punishment even worse. It will also make life harder for LGBTQ people and those supporting them.
Supporters want the bill to become law. But it might cause problems for Ghana's economy. The finance ministry warned it could lose billions in financing from the World Bank and IMF.
The World Bank stopped giving money to Uganda when it made tough anti-LGBTQ laws in 2023.
In a statement, Dafeamekpor expressed disappointment: "We believe in equal rights for all Ghanaians, and this delay is unjust."
Go to video
Mozambique headed for crucial elections amid jihadist insurgency and drought-induced hunger
Go to video
Fighting in Sudan's North Darfur kills at least 13 children, UNICEF says
01:13
Top EU court says FIFA's transfer rules are not in line with European Union law
Go to video
Tanzania suspends media company's online platforms for 30 Days
Go to video
SA Popular Gospel Artist Solly Moholo Passes Away at 65
01:30
Family receives body of Ugandan Olympic athlete set on fire by her partner