Photo by Kampus Production
October 2, 2024, Windhoek – Namibia has officially passed the Marriage Act, 2024 (Act No. 14 of 2024), which prohibits the recognition of same-sex marriages, including those legally performed in other countries. President Nangolo Mbumba signed the law on October 2, 2024, effectively reversing the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that had recognized such unions within Namibia.
The new law defines marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman, barring same-sex couples from legal recognition under both civil and customary law. This change comes after a period of legal and cultural debate surrounding the issue.
The Marriage Act replaces previous marriage laws, aiming to streamline the regulations while aligning with Namibia’s constitutional and cultural stance. In addition to this, the Act includes provisions to validate marriages deemed flawed, regulate foreign marriages, and penalize unauthorized wedding ceremonies.
This legislation marks a significant shift in Namibia’s legal landscape, reflecting the country’s position on the matter.