Botswana Same-Sex Marriage Case Faces Opposition from Churches and Cultural Groups

Church and cultural organisations in Botswana have opposed a legal challenge seeking to overturn laws that prevent same-sex marriage, in what is being seen as a landmark case for the country and the region.

The case was brought by Bonolo Selelo, 41, and Tsholofelo Kumile, 39, who argue that Botswana’s Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it only recognises marriage between a “bride” and a “bridegroom.”

The couple took legal action after authorities reportedly refused to register their marriage in 2025 and advised them to marry in neighbouring South Africa, where same-sex marriage is legal.

The Dingwetsi Association, a non-profit organisation that promotes marriage and family values, told the court that recognising same-sex marriage would conflict with Botswana’s customary laws, which define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana, representing about 75 churches, also opposed the application. Its lawyer argued that same-sex marriage contradicts the beliefs of many Christians and would affect church ministers who are responsible for conducting marriages.

Botswana decriminalised homosexuality in 2019 after a High Court ruling struck down laws that imposed prison terms on same-sex relationships. However, same-sex marriage remains illegal.

South Africa remains the only African country that legally recognises same-sex marriage. While several southern African nations, including Angola, Lesotho and Mozambique, have decriminalised homosexuality, many countries across the continent still criminalise same-sex relationships, with some recently introducing stricter anti-LGBTQ laws.

The court’s decision is expected to have significant implications for marriage rights and social policy in Botswana.

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