CHRR awaits written judgement on same sex marriages’ case
Dutch national who petitioned the courts -Willem Akster
The Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) is eagerly awaiting the written judgement on the recent same-sex marriage case, which was dismissed by the High Court sitting as a Constitutional Court in Blantyre on Friday.
The court’s decision comes after two individuals, Dutch citizen Jan Willem Akster and Jana Gonani from Mangochi, petitioned to have same-sex acts legalized.
The CHRR has expressed disappointment in the court’s decision, citing the ongoing violation of rights of individuals in same-sex relationships.
“It is sad that the rights of people involved in same-sex relationships continue to be violated, with many living in hiding. We have documented numerous cases of abuse against them,” said Michael Kaiyatsa, the executive director of CHRR.
The written judgement, expected within 14 days, will determine the next course of action for the CHRR, whether accepting it as it is, appealing or lobbying parliament as per the court’s recommendation.
The organization is urging the court to consider the broader issues affecting the rights of homosexuals, specifically declaring as unconstitutional provisions in the Penal Code which criminalises sex against the order of nature.
The case has sparked intense debate on the legalization of same-sex marriages in the country, with human rights organizations calling for greater protections and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.
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