Namibia’s high court has ruled that a law that criminalised gay sex is unconstitutional. After a number of setbacks in the battle for rights in African countries in recent years, this landmark ruling is a major victory for LGBTQ+ campaigners in Namibia and the continent. Namibia inherited the law banning “sodomy” and “unnatural offences” when it gained independence from South Africa in 1990 after first being colonised by Germany.
Breaking: High Court Declares the Sodomy Law Unconstitutional 🏳️🌈🇳🇦🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/LQyq3RdhZA — Equal Namibia June 21, 2024 The UN has also applauded the ruling, calling it a "powerful step" towards a more inclusive nation that would also improve access to health services and HIV treatment as more people would be willing to come forward for testing and treatment.