Botswana churches and cultural groups oppose same-sex marriage legalization bid
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
In Botswana, church and cultural organizations have voiced opposition in court to a gay couple's attempt to overturn laws prohibiting same-sex marriage. Bonolo Selelo, 41, and Tsholofelo Kumile, 39, are challenging the Marriage Act, arguing its definition of marriage exclusively for a "bride" and "bridegroom" is unconstitutional. The couple was denied marriage registration last year and advised to marry in South Africa, the only African nation recognizing same-sex marriage. The Dingwetsi Association, a non-profit, stated the case could impact customary law, which only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana, representing 75 churches, believes same-sex marriage contradicts its Christian members' beliefs. This case follows Botswana's High Court decriminalizing homosexuality in 2019. While homosexuality is decriminalized in several Southern African countries, about 20 of Africa's 54 nations do not criminalize same-sex relations, with some like Uganda, Senegal, and Niger recently strengthening anti-LGBTQ laws.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Oyo State House of Assembly has reiterated its support for Governor Seyi Makinde's request for an independent international investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area. The House believes an international probe is essential to establish facts, strengthen Nigeria's security, and prevent future attacks on schools. This stance comes after Governor Makinde, following the rescue of the victims, called on the United Nations and International Human Rights Organizations for an investigation, citing the gravity and unusual circumstances of the incident. The Assembly also addressed the Senate's caution against such a probe, clarifying that Governor Makinde's call is a patriotic appeal for transparency, accountability, and international collaboration against terrorism and mass school abductions, not an indictment of the Federal Government or security agencies. The House emphasized that commending security efforts and seeking a transparent review are not mutually exclusive, especially as terrorism and school attacks have transnational dimensions. They concluded that Makinde's proposal aims to understand lessons from the Oriire abduction and translate them into stronger security measures, complementing efforts to improve security agencies' welfare and equipment.
Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has issued a warning against what he perceives as attempts to undermine the opposition party through judicial manipulation and the misuse of state institutions. In a statement on Tuesday, George condemned recent developments surrounding the PDP's leadership crisis, suggesting that certain forces are working to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He referenced a Supreme Court judgment from April 30 that nullified a PDP national convention, leading to a reconstituted Interim National Working Committee that operates alongside another faction recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. George criticized the projection of an individual with no known democratic pedigree as National Chairman, stating that leadership is earned through sacrifice and democratic legitimacy, not political manipulation. He urged the judiciary and INEC to uphold the Constitution and remain impartial, emphasizing that institutions must not determine political party leadership. George cautioned that misusing political power and suppressing opposition is dangerous for national stability and that governments should not weaken democratic institutions. He called on the judiciary to remain faithful to the Constitution, INEC to act without bias, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure government institutions remain above partisan interests.
The Yoruba Leaders of Thought, a pro-Yoruba group, has praised President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Mr. Bayo Aina, the group described the rescue operation, which involved various security agencies, vigilantes, and the Amotekun Corps, as a testament to the Nigerian Armed Forces' efforts to ensure national safety amidst increased bandit activities. Aina highlighted that the abductees were rescued after over 54 days in captivity without a ransom payment, showcasing the effectiveness of the security operation. The group also commended President Tinubu's leadership. The Yoruba Leaders of Thought extended condolences to the families of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a teacher, and Lieutenant Felix Isaac, an army officer, who died during the operation and called for their immortalization by the Federal Government. They urged the government to apply the multifaceted rescue approach used in Oyo to other states and to investigate the involvement of foreigners in crimes across the country, citing them as a source of weapons for bandits.