Stefanus Nashama
A majority of the members of the National Council backed and concurred with the Private Member’s Bill tabled by SWAPO member of parliament Jerry Ekandjo, that seeks to amend the Immigration Act to clearly define the word ‘spouse’ in alignment with Namibia’s definition of marriage.
Ekandjo introduced the bill earlier this month. It is aimed at invoking Article 81 and 45 of the Namibian Constitution and essentially contradict a decision by the Supreme Court of Namibia and assert the representative nature of the National Assembly and to provide for incidental matters.
The bill was passed in the National Assembly and referred to the relevant Committee, and later sent to the National Council for review and recommendations, which resulted in the majority of members in the National Council fully supporting the Bill.
Paulus Mbangu, a member of the National Council and Councillor of the Rundu Rural Constituency yesterday supported the Bill saying the definition of the word ‘spouse’ by Ekandjo is clearly defined.
According to Mbangu, the minds of those wanting to recognize same-sex marriages are confused and should be restored, adding that they should be called to order.
“The Parliament is there to represent the people and ensure democracy in the county, however, democracy shouldn’t be abused at the expense of the Namibian nation. As leaders and members of this August House, we cannot allow and promote immorality in Namibia,” he remarked.
Mbangu stressed that if same-sex marriage is allowed in Namibia, the entire health system will become worse because the government will also need a higher budget for health to help the brothers who will engage in anal sex.
He reiterated that marriage can only be between a man and a woman of mature age, as stipulated in the Namibian Constitution.
Mbangu maintained that after the bill is passed, some people will still come forward to constitutionally challenge the Supreme Court. He has since appealed to judges to apply morality in their judgments if anyone happens to challenge the Court, and that they should not promote things that stand against nature.
“If a judge rules against the order of nature that has nothing to do with the interpretation of the law. That is an opinion influenced by society, and it does not interpret the law,” Mbangu stressed.
Peter Kazongominja, the Chief Whip of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) also concurred with Ekandjo’s Private Member’s Bill and suggested that the death sentence must be introduced for anyone involved in a same-sex marriage.
Mbangu differed with his colleague about the death sentence and said that everyone has the right to life, as declared in the Namibian Constitution.
Kazongominja said there is no way the country could allow someone to be a “temporary man or woman”.
“What is wrong with us as human beings? What are we trying to achieve by changing nature, promoting evil and Satanism? Today you are a man tomorrow you are a woman. What confusion is this?” he asked.
He explained that even if someone goes through medical operations to change their genital organs, a man will never menstruate and a woman will never impregnate anyone.
“A man will remain a man and a woman will remain a woman. Namibians claim to be Christians, yet they want to promote immorality and go against their cultural values,” he said.
Another National Council member, Rocco Nguvauva also supported the Bill.
He explained that when considering such a Bill, the House should also carefully look into Namibians who are studying and living in Western and other countries and who practice homosexuality.
“We should look into this and ensure our people should not come back home and influence the Namibian society,” he said.
Meanwhile, the office of the Attorney-General last week certified that the “Civil Registration and Identification Bill” complies with the law and Constitution.
The National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW) has also thrown its weight behind Ekandjo’s Private Member’s Bill.
