Supreme Court to Rule on Anti-LGBTQ Bill Injunctions on July 17 The United States Supreme Court has announced that it will hear arguments on July 17, 2023, to determine whether to block injunctions against a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill in Tennessee. The bill, known as HB 32, would restrict classroom discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through eighth grade. It also prohibits transgender students from using school bathrooms and facilities that align with their gender identity. Several LGBTQ rights organizations have challenged HB 32 in federal court, arguing that it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. District courts in Tennessee and Ohio have issued injunctions blocking the bill’s implementation, but a federal appeals court has upheld its constitutionality. The Supreme Court’s decision on the injunctions will have far-reaching implications for LGBTQ students and their families across the country. If the Court allows the injunctions to remain in place, HB 32 will be temporarily blocked from being enforced. However, if the Court overturns the injunctions, the bill will go into effect. Advocates for transgender students argue that HB 32 is discriminatory and harmful to LGBTQ youth. They maintain that it sends the message that transgender children are not welcome or safe in schools. Opponents of the bill argue that it protects the rights of parents to decide how their children are educated and that it prevents inappropriate discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. The Supreme Court’s decision is highly anticipated and could have a significant impact on the future of LGBTQ rights in the United States. It is expected to be a closely watched and potentially precedent-setting case.Supreme Court to Rule on Anti-Gay Bill on July 17, 2024Supreme Court to Rule on Anti-Gay Bill on July 17, 2024 The Supreme Court of Ghana has set July 17, 2024, as the date to rule on two separate applications challenging the transmission of the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill to the presidency by Parliament. Lawsuits Two lawsuits are currently before the court: * Richard Dela Sky’s Application: Challenges the constitutionality of Parliament passing the bill, arguing it violates Articles 33(5), 12(1) and (2), 15(1), 17(1) and (2), 18(2), and 21(1) (a), (b), (d), and (e) of the 1992 Constitution. * Dr. Amanda Odoi’s Application: Expresses concern over specific provisions of the bill and seeks an injunction against its transmission to the presidency. Hearing After hearing arguments from the plaintiffs’ lawyers, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, and Thaddeus Sory, counsel for the Speaker of Parliament, the Supreme Court announced it will issue separate rulings in the two cases. Panel The panel hearing the case consists of: * Chief Justice Getrude Torkornoo (Chair) * Judge Mariama Owusu * Judge Prof. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu * Judge Ernest Gaewu * Judge Yaw Darko Asare Background The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, also known as the “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” has been highly controversial in Ghana and has sparked international condemnation. The plaintiffs’ argue that the bill discriminates against LGBTQ+ people and violates their fundamental rights. Next Steps The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana. If the court strikes down the bill, it will represent a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. However, if the court upholds the bill, it could create further challenges for LGBTQ+ people in Ghana.The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for July 17th to consider whether to block laws in Arkansas and Alabama that ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The Arkansas law, known as the “Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act,” prohibits doctors from providing gender-affirming care, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, to minors. The Alabama law, known as the “Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act,” goes even further, criminalizing the provision of gender-affirming care to minors and allowing the state to investigate parents who support their transgender children’s medical care. Both laws have been challenged in court, and lower courts have blocked them from taking effect. However, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear appeals from the states, and a decision is expected by the end of June. The Supreme Court’s decision will have major implications for transgender youth across the country. If the Court upholds the laws, it would effectively ban gender-affirming care for minors in two states. This would have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of transgender youth, who rely on this care to live authentically and safely. On the other hand, if the Court strikes down the laws, it would send a strong message that the rights of transgender youth must be protected. This would be a major victory for transgender rights activists and could help to prevent similar laws from being passed in other states. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to be closely watched by both sides of the debate over transgender rights. The outcome could have a significant impact on the lives of transgender youth across the country.