Everyone deserves freedom because everyone is free. One cannot be grounded while others are free.
These were the words of Magdalena Dausas, mother of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) activist Friedel Dausab.
Dausab, who challenged the sodomy common law that was declared unconstitutional and invalid, described his mother as a supportive woman, despite their differences in the beginning.
In an interview with Nampa following the delivery of the verdict on Friday by the Windhoek High Court, Dausas shared her gratitude, stating: “No one can be grounded while others are free”.
Dausas, who accompanied her son, urged parents to be supportive of their children, stating: “God has created a person. Therefore, as a mother, I am happy that my child and everyone who was grounded is now free to practise their rights and express themselves”.
Dausab said his mother has always been his support system.
“Today, she stood by my side in court,” he said.
Dausab during a press conference said he challenged the sodomy law because it has hampered his relationships in the past.
“Many of my relationships were a secret because of the sodomy crime. I hope that today’s landmark decision means that we can hold hands in public, and not hide our love,” he said.
The joint decision by Judge Nate Ndauendapo, Judge Claudia Claasen and Judge Shafimana Ueitele ruled that the inclusion of the crime of sodomy in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 is declared unconstitutional and invalid.
“I feel a lot safer to be in Namibia. It’s not always been like that,” Dausab said.
Moreover, he called on Namibian leaders to be considerate of the language they use in Parliament relating to the LGBTQIA+ community, stating they are the direct link towards how society acts towards minorities.
-Nampa