MP Jerry Ekandjo calls for Marriage Act amendment

Swapo lawmaker Jerry Ekandjo has presented a private member’s bill in the National Assembly, calling for amendment to the Marriage Act, particularly to the definition of the term ‘spouse’, the banning of same-sex marriages, and any recognition of such unions in Namibia.

This comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s ruling to recognise same-sex marriage conducted outside Namibia.

Ekandjo cited Article 81 of the Constitution, which grants Parliament the power to challenge Supreme Court decisions. 

He argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the acquisition of Namibian citizenship through marriage overlooked Article 14 of the Constitution as well as the Marriage Act.

“This Bill calls on our conscience to understand and appreciate that there is no dignity in eroding our moral values under the pretext of fancy definitions. Let us prioritise our nation’s dignity by upholding our cultural values and supporting this bill.”