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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rachel Savage

Namibia high court overturns law banning gay sex

Namibia’s high court building
Namibia’s high court. The state inherited the law banning ‘sodomy’ and ‘unnatural offences’ when it gained independence from South Africa in 1990. Photograph: google maps

Namibia’s high court has overturned a law that criminalised gay sex in a victory for LGBTQ+ campaigners after a number of setbacks in the battle for rights in African countries in recent years.

Namibia inherited a law banning “sodomy” and “unnatural offences” when it gained independence from South Africa in 1990. While the ban was rarely enforced, activists said it contributed to discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, including violence by the police.

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