Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Namibia Court Decriminalises Same -Sex Relationship

In a monumental legal victory for the LGBTQ community, a Namibian court has nullified two colonial-era statutes that outlawed homosexual acts between men, declaring these laws unconstitutional. This groundbreaking ruling was delivered on Friday, symbolizing a pivotal shift towards inclusivity and equality in Namibia.

The legal challenge, spearheaded by Namibian activist Friedel Dausab with backing from the Human Dignity Trust, a UK-based legal charity, has culminated in a momentous triumph for LGBTQ rights in the country. Reflecting on the court’s judgment, Dausab jubilantly remarked, “It’s a great day for Namibia. It won’t be a crime to love anymore,” underscoring the significance of this legal advancement for the LGBTQ community.

READ MORE: Survey Reveals Alarming Vulnerability Of Password To Cyber criminals

Namibia, which achieved independence from South Africa in 1990, inherited these discriminatory laws from its colonial past. While South Africa has progressed to decriminalize same-sex activities and afford LGBTQ individuals the rights to adopt, marry, and form civil unions, Namibia had until now retained these outdated legal prohibitions.

The ruling emerges amidst a mixed landscape of LGBTQ rights across Africa. Uganda recently implemented one of the harshest anti-LGBTQ legislations globally, imposing the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Such measures have attracted intense international criticism. Meanwhile, in West Africa, Ghana has enacted laws intensifying penalties for same-sex relations and restricting activities that support LGBTQ rights.

Namibia’s decision provides a beacon of hope and a template for legal and social progress regarding LGBTQ rights on a continent where such victories are still too few.

Hot this week

NDLEA Cracks Down on Trans-Border Drug Cartel, Seizes 190,960 Tramadol Pills

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency has dismantled a major trans-border drug...

Kenya’s Odinga, Djibouti’s Youssouf Lead Race for AU Commission Presidency

The race to lead the African Union (AU) Commission...

Standing for Truth in a World of Deception – Mark Idiahi

In a generation where moral relativism and "wokeness" are...

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking: A New Craze for Muffling Expressions on Social Media in Nigeria

In the digital age, social media has emerged as...

WAEC 2024 Results: 67.55% of Private Candidates Secure Five Credits or More

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the...

Jimoh Moshood Appointed Lagos Police Chief Amid Rising Security Concerns

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has appointed Moshood Jimoh...

JAMB Warns Universities Against Fake A’Level Admissions, Threatens Sanctions

Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued...

South Africa Weighs Nuclear Bids from Russia and Iran, Risking U.S. Fallout

South Africa is considering bids from Russia and Iran...

NDLEA Cracks Down on Trans-Border Drug Cartel, Seizes 190,960 Tramadol Pills

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency has dismantled a major trans-border drug...

WAEC 2024 Results: 67.55% of Private Candidates Secure Five Credits or More

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the...

Tinubu Blocks AU Proposal to Split Political Affairs and Security Department

President Bola Tinubu has rejected a proposal to divide...

Dangote Group to Invest $400M in Ethiopia Cement Expansion Amid Market Growth

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is doubling down on...

Djibouti’s Youssouf Secures AU Commission Chair, Pledges Security and Unity

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has emerged as...

Related Articles

Popular Categories