The Speaker of Parliament has called on the Supreme Court to show consistency in addressing cases involving government and parliamentary proceedings, expressing concern over what he views as selective intervention in legislative matters.
Speaking ahead of Parliament’s November 7 reopening, the Speaker urged the Court to expedite its Human Rights and Family Values Bill hearing, which has awaited review for almost a year.
“I respectfully call on the Supreme Court to apply the same swiftness with which the motion ex parte in the instant matter was granted to the case involving the President’s refusal to receive the Human Rights and Family Values Bill passed by Parliament,” he stated.
The bill, aimed at legislating on LGBTQ+ rights, has been awaiting a hearing for nearly a year, which the Speaker suggested reflects an inconsistency in the Court’s approach.
The Speaker also challenged the Court’s role in determining parliamentary matters, stating, “It is for good reason that justice is said to be blind and that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done in all cases, not only those to which some people appear to be sentimentally attached.”
Emphasizing the independence of Parliament, he added, “The decision as to which side of the House constitutes the majority or minority is a matter for Parliament, not for the Court.”
