Namibian government will not recognise same-sex marriages: Kawana

WINDHOEK: Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Albert Kawana on Wednesday stated that Namibia will not recognise same-sex marriages, as the country's values, traditions and customs are anchored in Christianity. Kawana was motivating the Marriage Bill in the National Assembly, following the passing of two private members bills by Swapo parliamentarian, Jerry Ekandjo, addressing same sex marriage. This is after the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment, ordered for the recognition of same sex marriages contracted outside Namibia. 'Therefore, it is imperative that legislative reforms must be put in place in order to make it categorically clear and beyond any shadow of doubt that same sex marriages should not be recognised in Namibia because they are contrary to the cultural norms, tradition, ideology and religious beliefs of the Namibian people. A number of laws will have to be amended or repealed in order to clearly define the words marriage and spouse,' Kawana told lawmakers on Tuesday . Kawana stressed the need for a new law to regulate civil marriages in Namibia and to repeal the Marriage Act of 1961 (Act No. 25 of 1961), including all its subsequent amendments. The proposed Bill will also introduce a pre-solemnisation process, which will compel couples intending to marry to give a three-month notice to government. This process will enable government to confirm if the couple is eligible to marry. Reacting to the minister's speech, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual and Queer (LGBTQ) activist, Linda Baumann, in an interview with Nampa said that the Bill, if enacted, would be a setback for the community as it would overturn a significant legal recognition of the Supreme Court ruling. 'The minister's position appears to be driven by a combination of political, social and cultural factors. They are basically setting aside the rights of same sex couples. The Bill will definitely foster increased marginalisation and discrimination against the LGBTQ community,' she said. Source: The Namibi a Press Agency