Uploaded March 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Published on Mar 23, 2016

Since February 2012, LEGABIBO and LGBT human rights organisation has fought for their right to be registered. The State denied LEGABIBO their right to freedom of assembly, freedom of association and freedom of expression. Four years later, LEGABIBO has ensured that constitution of Botswana includes citizens who are LGBT.
On the 16 March 2016, the Court of Appeal ruled that it was unlawful for the government not to register LEGABIBO and they should be register immediately. This is a victory for ALL Africans.
Here is a brief timeline.
16 February 2012, 20 litigants –who are the Respondents, applied for
the registration of the Lesbians Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana –
LEGABIBO in terms of the Societies Act.
On 12 March 2012, the Director of the Department of Civil and National
Registration rejected their application for registration on the basis
that the Botswana Constitution does not recognise homosexuals

14 November 2014, the High Court, per Rannowane J, declared that the
decision of the Minister to refuse registration of LEGABIBO
contravened sections 3, 12 and 13 of the Botswana Constitution. And
ordered that the government register LEGABIBO

15 January 2016, five judges sat for the Court of Appeal hearing of
the LEGABIBO registration case; Thuto Rammogwe & 19 others Vs. The
State

16 March 2016
Court of Appeal of Botswana upheld the decision of the High Court,
that the Botswana government must register LEGABIBO.
A milestone moment for Botswana and for Africa. We congratulate
LEGABIBO on this great victory.