President Nangolo Mbumba has rejected Jerry Ekandjo’s anti-gay bills due to constitutional implications, as explained by Minister Christine //Hoebes. The bills, aimed at criminalizing same-sex marriage, fell short of legislative approval and failed to meet necessary constitutional standards. Mbumba’s decision highlights the importance of proper legislative processes in Namibia.
President Nangolo Mbumba has refused to endorse Swapo parliamentarian Jerry Ekandjo’s private member’s bills that aim to oppose same-sex marriage, citing potential constitutional issues. Christine //Hoebes, the Minister in the Presidency, made this announcement during a parliamentary session in response to Ekandjo’s inquiry on his bills’ status. Ekandjo had previously accused the minister of not addressing his proposals due to her absence from Parliament.
The proposed bills sought to redefine ‘spouse’ and ‘marriage’ to prohibit same-sex unions in Namibia and to criminalize homosexuality. However, //Hoebes indicated that these bills failed to garner a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and presented significant constitutional challenges. Ekandjo introduced these bills in 2023, clearly outlining penalties for violations, including hefty fines or incarceration.
Following the succession of former President Hage Geingob, Mbumba was briefed on the proposed legislation. //Hoebes elaborated that it was critical for Mbumba to ensure that the bills adhered to both substantive and procedural constitutional standards amidst his other national responsibilities. The president expressed concerns regarding the legitimacy of the legislative process that led to these bills.
//Hoebes emphasized that the legislation did not meet essential norms in legislative drafting within the Namibian context, which raised significant conclusions on its validity. She stated that the president could not approve the bills, given their potential constitutional ramifications and lack of a prior constitutional review, aligning with the Constitution’s guiding principles.
In summary, President Mbumba has declined to endorse the anti-gay bills proposed by Jerry Ekandjo due to constitutional concerns and procedural inadequacies. The Minister in the Presidency, Christine //Hoebes, highlighted that the bills did not achieve a necessary majority and failed to meet fundamental legislative standards. This decision is indicative of a commitment to uphold constitutional integrity within Namibia’s legal framework.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
