Namibia overturns anti-LGBT+ colonial laws

In a landmark ruling, Namibia’s High Court declared unconstitutional two colonial laws that criminalized consensual acts between men of the same sex. This judgment represents a significant victory for the LGBT+ community in the country.

The legal action was brought by Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, with the support of the British organization Human Dignity Trust. After the verdict, Dausab expressed his joy and relief, stating that “from now on, it will no longer be a crime to love.”

Although convictions under “sodomy” and “unnatural sexual offenses” laws were rare, these laws perpetuated discrimination and fear among gay men in Namibia. The criminalization of these relationships dated back to the colonial era, even before the country’s independence from South Africa in 1990.

The court’s decision was enthusiastically received by human rights defenders, who highlighted the importance of the judgment for promoting equality and protecting the health of the LGBTQ+ community. The UN hailed the decision as a powerful step towards a more inclusive nation, which will also improve access to health services and HIV treatment.

While Namibia is moving towards equality, other African countries still maintain strict laws against the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, Uganda passed one of the strictest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”

The Namibian court’s decision is a milestone in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa, highlighting the need for legal and social changes across the continent. With this verdict, Namibia joins a growing list of African countries that are reviewing discriminatory laws inherited from colonialism, promoting a fairer and more inclusive society.

By Ezatamentchy