Botswana government defends refusal to recognize same-sex marriage application
via Mmegi1 min read
The Botswana government is defending its refusal to process a same-sex marriage application, stating that the country's laws do not permit such unions. This stance is outlined in court documents filed in response to a legal challenge by Tsholofelo Kumile and Bonolo Selelo, two women seeking to marry under Botswana's Marriage Act. The Department of Civil and National Registration had informed the applicants that their desired marriage was not supported by law. The government argues that the Marriage Act explicitly contemplates marriage only between a man and a woman, citing references to a "bridegroom" and a "bride" as evidence of Parliament's intent. Government lawyers maintain that the Act does not provide for same-sex marriages, thus justifying the officials' refusal to process the request.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.
Must ReadThe Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana LEGABIBO has informed the High Court that denying same-sex couples civil marriage rights infringes upon constitutional protections. The organization contends that the State cannot withhold legal recognition for same-sex unions while granting marriage rights to heterosexual couples. LEGABIBO has applied to join a case before the Gaborone High Court, initiated by Bonolo Omphile Selelo Tsholofelo Seele Kumile and another applicant, against the Acting Director of Civil Registration and the Attorney General. The dispute centers on the Department of Civil and National Registration's refusal to publish banns for the couple's intended marriage, stating in a May 8, 2025 letter that such a marriage is not supported by law.
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