Namibia: Precedent for Same-Sex Couples, Rights of Children in Citizenship Ruling

THE Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) says a recent High Court judgement confirming the Namibian citizenship by descent of a child born through surrogacy to a same-sex couple is progressive and demonstrates that the courts are taking cognisance of children’s rights.

“Protection of the child, we can see now, that that’s paramount and that’s a major step. It’s a whole new ball game,” LAC director Toni Hancox told The Namibian.

Hancox said it has also brought the aspect of parenting for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community to the fore.

Furthermore, she said this is the first time an issue of this nature has been before the courts.

“Even though the Lühl matter was about citizenship, it has really brought parenting for the LGBTQI+ community into the limelight. It’s something that we’ll start talking about,” she said.

Read further: https://www.namibian.com.na/106686/read/Precedent-for-same-sex-couples-rights-of-children-in-citizenship-ruling