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11mo ago

Namibian High Court Decriminalizes Same-Sex Relationships

The ruling overturns colonial-era laws and marks a significant victory for LGBTQ rights in the southern African nation.

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Dozens of people cheer and dance as they take part in the Namibian Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) community pride Parade in the streets of the Namibian Capitol on July 29, 2017 in Windhoek. Even though there have been marches and protests against discrimination against the LGBT community in the past years, this is the first time that the community held such a parade along the capital's main street, Independence Avenue, to celebrate their identity and rights. / AFP PHOTO / Hildegard Titus © HILDEGARD TITUS/AFP via Getty Images
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Dozens of people cheer and dance as they take part in the Namibian Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) community pride Parade on July 29, 2017.

Overview

  • The court declared laws criminalizing same-sex acts between men unconstitutional.
  • Activist Friedel Dausab brought the case with support from Human Dignity Trust.
  • The decision is expected to enhance equality and access to healthcare for LGBTQ individuals.
  • Namibia inherited these laws from South Africa upon gaining independence in 1990.
  • The ruling aligns Namibia with several other African nations that have decriminalized same-sex relations.