Proposed anti-gay laws still under review
To be debated in National Assembly next month
If enacted, the constitutional redefinition of spouse could significantly curtail the rights of same-sex couples, rendering them unable to marry, adopt children, or access certain legal safeguards.
The Marriage Amendment Bill, which had sailed through the National Assembly with minimal amendments, has been referred back to the National Assembly for final reconsiderations.
Amid fervent debates, presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari said: "The Marriage Amendment Bill went to the National Council and will be debated in the National Assembly in September, but it is not on the president's desk."
Swapo lawmaker Jerry Ekandjo tabled the bill to change sections of the Marriage Act, including the definition of the term 'marriage'.
The Bill proposes that no marriage between persons of the same sex shall be recognised as a valid marriage in Namibia and that anyone in a same-sex marriage will not be regarded as a spouse for purposes of any law in Namibia.
The Marriage Amendment Bill states that marriage "means a legal union entered into between persons of opposite sex".
Additionally, Ekandjo introduced a Bill on the definition of a spouse, which seeks to explicitly define the term spouse.
"The definition of the spouse Bill is currently on the table of the president. The president is busy with consultations, and there have been submissions made by stakeholders," Hengari confirmed.
Hengari further confirmed that 14 Bills have been received by the president, including the one related to the definition of spouse, which are all currently under review.
Limiting citizen rights
If enacted, the constitutional redefinition of spouse could significantly curtail the rights of same-sex couples, rendering them unable to marry, adopt children, or access certain legal safeguards.
Attorney-General Festus Mbandeka, when questioned about recent developments regarding the Bills, stated: "Unfortunately, there have not been any new developments on my side in this regard."
As the nation and international observers await President Hage Geingob's decision, the outcome of the Bills' consultation and deliberation process looms large. The implications of the proposed laws have sparked widespread discussions both within the country and globally. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights. Meanwhile, proponents of the Bills argue that they are aimed at upholding traditional values and preserving the institution of marriage as they perceive it.
Amid fervent debates, presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari said: "The Marriage Amendment Bill went to the National Council and will be debated in the National Assembly in September, but it is not on the president's desk."
Swapo lawmaker Jerry Ekandjo tabled the bill to change sections of the Marriage Act, including the definition of the term 'marriage'.
The Bill proposes that no marriage between persons of the same sex shall be recognised as a valid marriage in Namibia and that anyone in a same-sex marriage will not be regarded as a spouse for purposes of any law in Namibia.
The Marriage Amendment Bill states that marriage "means a legal union entered into between persons of opposite sex".
Additionally, Ekandjo introduced a Bill on the definition of a spouse, which seeks to explicitly define the term spouse.
"The definition of the spouse Bill is currently on the table of the president. The president is busy with consultations, and there have been submissions made by stakeholders," Hengari confirmed.
Hengari further confirmed that 14 Bills have been received by the president, including the one related to the definition of spouse, which are all currently under review.
Limiting citizen rights
If enacted, the constitutional redefinition of spouse could significantly curtail the rights of same-sex couples, rendering them unable to marry, adopt children, or access certain legal safeguards.
Attorney-General Festus Mbandeka, when questioned about recent developments regarding the Bills, stated: "Unfortunately, there have not been any new developments on my side in this regard."
As the nation and international observers await President Hage Geingob's decision, the outcome of the Bills' consultation and deliberation process looms large. The implications of the proposed laws have sparked widespread discussions both within the country and globally. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights. Meanwhile, proponents of the Bills argue that they are aimed at upholding traditional values and preserving the institution of marriage as they perceive it.
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