Minister of Justice and Labour Relations Wise Immanuel has clarified that same-sex couples cannot marry in Namibia under the law. The clarification came after Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi asked whether the court ruling had changed Namibia’s position on same-sex marriage.

Immanuel explained that the Supreme Court's May 2023 judgement addressed the recognition of same-sex marriages legally concluded outside Namibia for immigration purposes.

Therefore, the ruling allows the government to recognise those marriages for immigration purposes. However, it does not allow same-sex couples to marry in Namibia.

The minister also addressed the status of the Marriage Act of 2024, which provides a legal framework that defines marriage. The legislation is not yet in operation. The regulations are still being finalised in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.

The minister added that no other court judgement concerning same-sex marriage had come to his attention.