The Court of Appeals of Botswana held a hearing today (Oct. 12) on decriminalization of same-sex relations after the state appealed a 2019 ruling by the High Court to decriminalize.
On June 11, 2019, a full bench of the High Court of Botswana ruled unanimously to strike down section 164(a) and (c), and section 167 of the Penal Code which criminalized same-sex relations, or “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” – relics inherited from colonial times.
At the time, judges ruled that the provisions are discriminatory and, in particular, highlighted that “a democratic society is one that embraces tolerance, diversity and open-mindedness” and that “societal inclusion is central to ending poverty and fostering shared prosperity.” The