Recognition of same-sex unions in Botswana

Botswana does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. The Marriage Act does not recognise same-sex marriage.

Historical recognition of same-sex relationships
While the Tswana historically practiced polygamy, there are no records of same-sex marriages as understood from a Western perspective being performed in Tswana culture. However, there is evidence for identities and behaviours that may be placed on the LGBT spectrum. Contemporary oral evidence suggests that same-sex relationships were "common" and "prevelant" among Tswana miners in South Africa in the early 20th century. It was during this time through the mining compounds and the influence of South African languages that the contemporary term matanyola, meaning "anal sex", entered the Tswana language. These relationships differed strongly from the Western understanding of same-sex marriages, as men who entered these "mine marriages" continued to marry women and "conform, or appear to conform, to gender expectations", and would not consider themselves as homosexual or bisexual, or "unfaithful to [their] marriage vows. This practice gradually disappeared as Botswana became more modernized and exposed to Christianity, Western culture and homophobia in the 20th century.

Among the San peoples, marriage (ǃXóõ: ʼǀnàɲa; Tshwa: se tcu) is generally between a man in his twenties and a girl in her teens, though polygamy is common. Bride service is observed, and marriages between actual cousins are forbidden. Evidence exists that same-sex sexual activity was previously "common and relatively accepted" by the San peoples.

Today, homosexuality is viewed as taboo, and society generally does not accept same-sex relationships. Same-sex sexual relations were prohibited in Botswana until the law was struck down by the High Court in 2019.

Background
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Same-sex sexual relations were previously outlawed in Botswana under a British colonial-era law. This law was struck down in 2019 by the High Court, a ruling later upheld by an appellate court in 2021. This ruling, along with reforms to the employment law forbidding hiring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in 2010 and the registration of Botswana's largest LGBT advocacy organisation, LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays & Bisexuals of Botswana), in 2016, have cemented Botswana as a "[leader] in Southern Africa". Nevertheless, discrimination and abuse against LGBT people remain a "daily reality for many", and laws do not permit or recognise same-sex marriages or civil unions.

Legal situation
The Marriage Act (Molao wa Manyalo; Act 18 of 2001, Chapter 29:01) does not expressly forbid same-sex marriages and does not contain a definition of marriage. However, it generally refers to married spouses as "husband" and "wife". The Constitution of Botswana, unlike neighbouring Zimbabwe's constitution, also does not explicitly forbid marriages between people of the same sex. Civil partnerships (dikgolagano tsa selegae) are likewise not recognised in Botswana. This means that cohabiting same-sex couples do not enjoy the same rights as married couples including with regard to inheritance, tax benefits, adoption and alimony, among others.

In 2021, a spokesperson for LEGABIBO said the issue of same-sex marriage was "likely to arise in [the] future", noting that the 2019 High Court judgement in Letsweletse Motshidiemang v The Attorney-General "might be relevant then" and hoping that "future possibilities may also include a change of law and acceptance of society towards gay marriages". "The offensive provisions of the Penal Code have long been struck down by the High Court and so same-sex conduct has not been criminal since then. This has opened new avenues for conversations to be heard regarding gay rights in total.", they added.

Religious performance
The Catholic Church, which has two dioceses in Botswana, one in Gaborone and the other in Francistown, opposes same-sex marriage and does not allow its priests to officiate at such marriages. In December 2023, the Holy See published Fiducia supplicans, a declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless couples who are not considered to be married according to church teaching, including the blessing of same-sex couples. The Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, representing bishops in Botswana, South Africa and Eswatini, released a statement saying that "the document offers suggestions for when and how the blessings might be given. The Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference will guide further on how such a blessing may be requested and granted to avoid the confusion the document warns against. In the meantime, the suggestions offered by the declaration may be taken as a guide with prudence."