Founding president Sam Nujoma has condemned same-sex marriage, calling it “foreign norms and values being imposed on us”.
Nujoma said this at the Omaango Cultural Festival at Ohamautsi village in the Omusati region on Saturday.
“I want to join the eight traditional authorities in the north and many Namibians in condemning the same-sex marriage agenda that is being advanced in our country,” Nujoma said in a speech read on his behalf by Ruacana constituency councillor Andreas Shintama.
Nujoma said he agrees with the chairperson of the council of traditional leaders, chief Imanuwela /Gâseb’s stance that Namibians did not struggle to have freedom of same-sex marriage.
He urged traditional leaders to continue promoting cultural heritage and instilling the norms and values in the youth so they can build a strong nation.
“I wish to urge Namibian people and Africa as a whole to be vigilant against some alien, foreign norms and values, which are being imposed on us and are contrary to our own African cultural norms and traditions.
This is not the first time Nujoma has condemned homosexuality. In 2001, Nujoma called on the police to arrest, deport and imprison gays and lesbians, as homosexual behaviour was not permitted in Namibia.
“The Republic of Namibia does not allow homosexuality and lesbianism. Police are ordered to arrest you and deport you and imprison you,” Nujoma told students during a speech at the University of Namibia,” Nujoma said at the time.
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