Connect with us

Africa

Namibian Court Abolishes Laws Criminalizing Same-Sex Intercourse

Published

on

The High Court of Namibia has struck down two colonial-era laws that criminalized same-sex acts between men, marking a significant triumph for the LGBTQ community in the country.

The ruling, delivered on Friday, June 21, has been hailed as a major step forward for human rights and equality in Namibia.

The case was brought forward by Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, with the support of the UK-based Human Dignity Trust. Dausab expressed his joy and relief at the court’s decision, stating, “It’s a great day for Namibia. It won’t be a crime to love anymore.”

The two laws in question, which dated back to the colonial era, criminalized “sodomy” and “unnatural sexual offenses.”

Although prosecutions under these laws were rare, they perpetuated discrimination and fear among gay men in Namibia.

The laws were inherited from South Africa, the country’s former colonial ruler, when Namibia gained independence in 1990.

Namibia’s decision to decriminalize same-sex acts follows in the footsteps of South Africa, which has been a leader in LGBTQ rights on the African continent. South Africa legalized same-sex marriage in 2006 and allows LGBTQ couples to adopt children and enter civil unions.

In contrast, many other African countries have laws that criminalize same-sex relationships, with some imposing harsh penalties, including imprisonment and even death.

Uganda, for example, enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ laws last year, which includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”

Ghana has also passed a bill that toughens criminal penalties for consensual same-sex relations and criminalizes the actions of individuals and organizations that defend LGBTQ rights.

See also  Fidelity Bank Hits N1tr Market Cap, Takes Food Bank Relief To Lagos

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest from DDM TV

Latest Updates

JUST IN: Tantita Crushes Delta Oil Thieves, Recovers Stolen Crude

Troops Bust Major Oil Theft Ring, Arrest Eight in Delta

Tears in Delta as Beloved Olomu King Dies

Warri Wolves Clinch 2024/25 Nigeria National League Title in Thrilling 3–2 Final Win

BREAKING: Senator Ireti Kingibe Dumps Labour Party, Joins ADC Ahead 2027

Trump-Boakai ‘Such Good English’ Encounter: When Compliments Come Dressed in Colonial Underwear

ISWAP top commander surrenders in Borno

Trump Visits Flood-Hit Texas: 7 Words That Say It All

Iran Threatens to Shut Europe Out Over UN Sanctions Threat

JUST IN: Trump Slaps 30% Tariff on EU, Mexico

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks