Namibia’s high court declared two colonial-era laws unconstitutional on Friday, marking a landmark victory for the LGBTQ community in the southern African nation.
The case was initiated by Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, supported by the UK-based non-governmental organization Human Dignity Trust.
Following the court’s decision, Dausab expressed his joy to Reuters, stating, “It’s a great day for Namibia. It won’t be a crime to love anymore.”
Rights advocates argue that although convictions under the laws prohibiting “sodomy” and “unnatural sexual offences” were rare, they perpetuated discrimination against LGBTQ individuals and instilled fear of arrest among gay men.
Namibia inherited these laws upon gaining independence from South Africa in 1990, although same-sex acts between men were initially criminalized during colonial rule.
South Africa has since decriminalized same-sex sexual activity and remains the only African country where LGBTQ couples can legally adopt, marry, and enter civil unions.
Last year, Uganda introduced some of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ legislation, including penalties up to the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”, despite widespread condemnation from Western nations.
