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