President Mbumba Rejects Anti-Gay Legislation Due to Constitutional Concerns
President Nangolo Mbumba has rejected Swapo parliamentarian Jerry Ekandjo’s anti-gay bills due to constitutional concerns. The Minister in the Presidency, Christine //Hoebes, explained that the bills failed to achieve the necessary legislative support and presented legal challenges. This decision demonstrates a commitment to following proper legislative processes and protecting constitutional rights.
President Nangolo Mbumba has declined to endorse Swapo parliamentarian Jerry Ekandjo’s private bills aimed at prohibiting same-sex marriage. The Minister in the Presidency, Christine //Hoebes, announced this decision in Parliament, citing constitutional concerns regarding the proposed legislation.
Minister //Hoebes responded to Ekandjo’s inquiry about the status of his bills, which had already been passed by the National Assembly. She articulated that these bills did not secure the two-thirds majority required and presented specific constitutional challenges.
Ekandjo’s proposed legislation sought to redefine the terms ‘spouse’ and ‘marriage,’ and also aimed to criminalize homosexuality, targeting violations with hefty fines or imprisonment. Despite his efforts, //Hoebes emphasized that procedural scrutiny of the bills revealed they did not adhere to basic legislative drafting norms.
Furthermore, //Hoebes explained that following the transition from former President Hage Geingob, President Mbumba needed to reassess the proposed laws to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements. She underscored the president’s commitment to adhering to the law-making process and upholding constitutional principles.
The refusal of President Mbumba to endorse Ekandjo’s anti-gay bills highlights crucial constitutional considerations within Namibia’s legislative framework. The rejection underscores the importance of adhering to proper legislative processes and the potential implications of proposed laws on human rights. Mbumba’s decision reflects a commitment to uphold constitutional integrity in the face of contentious social issues.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
