A Namibian high court on Friday struck down two colonial-era laws criminalizing same-sex acts between men, marking a historic victory for the LGBTQ community in the country.
The case was brought forward by activist Friedel Dausab, supported by the UK-based Human Dignity Trust. Following the decision, Dausab expressed his joy, saying, “It’s a great day for Namibia. It won’t be a crime to love anymore.”
Although convictions under the laws on “sodomy” and “unnatural sexual offences” were rare, these laws perpetuated discrimination and fear among gay men. Namibia inherited these laws from South Africa upon gaining independence in 1990.
South Africa has since decriminalized same-sex sexual activity and remains the only African country allowing LGBTQ couples to marry, adopt children, and enter civil unions.
In contrast, Uganda recently enacted one of the world’s strictest anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” drawing widespread condemnation from Western nations.