In a historic ruling handed down on Friday, June 21, a Namibian higher court declared unconstitutional two laws inherited from the colonial era that criminalized homosexual acts between men. This progress marks a significant victory for the LGBTQ community in Namibia.
The case was originally brought to court by Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, with support from the UK-based Human Dignity Trust. Following the court’s decision, Dausab expressed his joy, saying “this is a great day for Namibia. It will no longer be criminal to love.”
Rights activists pointed out that although prosecutions under “sodomy” and “unnatural sexual offenses” laws were rare, these laws had fueled continued discrimination against the LGBTQ community and sowed fear of arrest. among gay men.
Namibia inherited these laws upon its independence from South Africa in 1990, although homosexual acts between men were initially criminalized under colonial rule.
South Africa has since decriminalized same-sex sexual activity and is the only country on the African continent to allow LGBTQ couples to adopt children, marry and enter into civil unions.
Last year, Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”, despite strong condemnation from the West.
In Ghana, for example, many voices are being raised against a dangerous anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) bill.
In February this year, the Ghanaian Parliament passed a bill that strengthens criminal penalties for consensual same-sex sexual relations, and criminalizes the actions of individuals and organizations defending the rights of LGBTQ people.
Images from the LGBTQ community in Namibia celebrating the court’s historic decision.