Namibians for equality and allies, highlight the distressing situation stemming from the recent passage of the Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill by the Namibian Parliament. This legislation not only jeopardizes the human rights of the LGBTQI+ community but contradicts constitutional principles of liberation. State-sanctioned homo-transphobia has sparked a surge in hate speech and hate crimes, tragically claiming six queer Namibian lives. The Namibian House is ablaze, and safety eludes us. 

Background:

In May 2023, the Supreme Court's recognition of same-sex marriages concluded abroad for immigration purposes faced vehement political backlash. This ruling finally recognised the equal worth and human dignity of LGBTQI+ persons. In July 2023, Parliament hastily passed an Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill, seeking to annul the Supreme Court's ruling and infringe on LGBTQI+ rights without due parliamentary committee review. By passing the bill parliament chose to further the long-standing project of hate and discrimination, rooted in colonialism and apartheid, this time targeting queer people. This undermines democracy and is a threat to the separation of powers. The Office of the President is tasked to uphold the Constitution, prevent the return of apartheid-era sovereignty and protect the Chapter 3 hard fought fundamental Bill of Rights. 

Constitutional Implications of the Bill: 

The bill aims to outlaw domestic same-sex marriage, reversing the Supreme Court verdict, and penalize human rights defenders and allies with prison sentences (six-years) or fines (N$100,000). Additionally, it criminalizes the promotion and advocacy of same-sex marriage and allyship, stifling freedom of expression and association. Making this bill Namibia's most unconstitutional draconian legislation passed since independence. The potential economic fallout, with repercussions on tourism and foreign direct investment, may further harm Namibia's economy. 

Rise in Hate Crimes & Human Rights Violations:

Since the bill's passage, hate-filled rhetoric from MPs has fueled a surge in hate crimes against the LGBTQI+ community, including rape, robbery, and six murders. These undignified and unprecedented killings, including gruesome details of mutilation, underscore the consequences of parliament's legislative hate and sanctioned violence, eroding Namibia's commitment to inclusivity. Our queer siblings, Gerome, Vernon, Queen, Gurney, Stanley, and Sexy Fredericks, were our fellow citizens who belonged in the Namibian House. 

Veto the Bill: 

President Mbumba, Namibia is no longer safe or inclusive for its most vulnerable citizens. The LGBTQI+ community and their allies live in fear, seeking assurance of their equal place in the Namibian House. To honor late President Hage Geingob's legacy- the drafter of the Constitution- and uphold consitutional values, the discriminatory Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill must not receive presidential approval. 

Signed by Namibians for Equality and Allies.

Compiled by: Equal Namibia (@equalnamibia)