Govt appeals same sex decriminalisation judgement

I have found it necessary in view of recent developments, concerning the above matter to release a statement on the position of the Attorney General regarding the decision of the High Court pertaining to the Constitutional challenge that Sections 164 (a), Section 164 (c) and Section 165 of the Penal Code (Cap 08:01, Laws of Botswana) are declared ultra vires (beyond the powers) the Constitution, in that they violate Section 3 (liberty, privacy and dignity); Section 9 (privacy) and Section 15 (discrimination).

The brief facts of the matter, which are common cause, are that the applicant Letsweletse Motshidiemang, a “gay” person instituted an application in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of these Sections. Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) appeared as a friend of the court.