Botswana bid to legalise same-sex marriage draws church opposition

A landmark court case in Botswana could reshape marriage laws across the region, as a gay couple challenges the constitutionality of existing legislation. Bonolo Selelo, 41, and Tsholofelo Kumile, 39, argue that the Marriage Act is discriminatory because it defines marriage exclusively between a "bride" and "bridegroom."

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The Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it specifies only a “bride” and “bridegroom” can marry.

The couple was denied permission to register their marriage in Botswana last year, with officials suggesting they wed in South Africa, the only African nation that recognizes same-sex marriage. While Botswana has decriminalized homosexuality, this legal challenge targets the definition of marriage itself.

Opposition to the couple's bid comes from influential church and cultural organizations. The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana, representing 75 churches, stated that same-sex marriage contradicts the beliefs of its Christian members. Similarly, the Dingwetsi Association, a non-profit promoting traditional marriage, warned of significant cultural impact, as customary law only recognizes heterosexual unions.

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likely to have a cultural impact because the country’s customary law only recognises marriage between a man and a woman.

This case unfolds against a backdrop where, despite decriminalization in several southern African nations, many African countries continue to tighten anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Botswana's High Court previously decriminalized homosexuality in 2019, overturning a seven-year jail sentence for same-sex relations, but the fight for marriage equality continues.

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goes against the beliefs of their members who are Christians.