President Mbumba Rejects Anti-Gay Bills Due to Constitutional Concerns

President Nangolo Mbumba has declined to sign Jerry Ekandjo’s anti-same-sex marriage bills due to constitutional concerns and inadequate legislative process. The bills, which aim to criminalize same-sex marriage, were rejected by Minister in the Presidency Christine //Hoebes, highlighting their failure to meet constitutional and procedural standards.

President Nangolo Mbumba has refused to endorse Swapo parliamentarian Jerry Ekandjo’s proposed anti-same-sex marriage bills. The rejection is attributed to potential constitutional concerns regarding the bills’ implications. This announcement was made in parliament by Minister in the Presidency Christine //Hoebes during a session on Thursday, responding to Ekandjo’s request for clarity on the status of his bills.

Ekandjo had previously expressed frustration towards Minister //Hoebes, accusing her of evasiveness in her absence from parliamentary discussions. The bills aimed to redefine ‘spouse’ and ‘marriage’ within Namibian law, effectively seeking to outlaw same-sex marriage and criminalize homosexuality. However, Minister //Hoebes noted that the bills did not achieve a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and presented significant constitutional challenges.

Tabled in 2023, Ekandjo’s bills propose that individuals violating same-sex marriage laws could face fines of up to N$100,000 or imprisonment for as long as six years. Following the change of leadership from former president Hage Geingob, Mbumba reassessed the legislative proposals to ensure compliance with constitutional and procedural requirements before proceeding.

Minister //Hoebes emphasized the president’s focus on the proper law-making protocols, stating that the bills were inadequate in meeting essential legislative standards in Namibia. She further highlighted the lack of constitutional review and drafting guidance prior to the bills being introduced, which contributed to the president’s decision not to assent to them, maintaining adherence to constitutional principles.

In summary, President Mbumba’s refusal to sign Ekandjo’s anti-gay bills underscores significant constitutional issues and procedural deficiencies in their framing. The rejection aligns with the commitment to uphold the Constitution of Namibia, reinforcing the necessity for comprehensive compliance with legislative standards. The situation reveals a broader dialogue regarding human rights and the legal framework governing marriage in Namibia.

Original Source: www.namibian.com.na