Tanzania denounces same-sex marriages

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government is moving closer to enforcing stricter regulations against same-sex marriages through a proposed law aimed at curbing acts deemed to violate public morality.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, Deputy Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Jumanne Sagini, announced that the government is finalizing the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, which includes provisions to revise Section 176 of the Penal Code.

The revision specifically targets what are described as “acts of moral misconduct,” including same-sex relationships and marriages.

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The Deputy Minister made the remarks in response to a question raised by Special Seats Member of Parliament Noah Sautu, who sought clarification on when the government plans to introduce amendments to the Marriage Act or table a new bill that explicitly bans same-sex unions.

“In accordance with Section 9 of the Marriage Act, Chapter 29, marriage in Tanzania is legally defined as a voluntary union between a man and a woman,” Sagini stated.

He added: “This can either be monogamous or polygamous, but the law does not recognize any other form of union.”

He emphasized that any marriage outside this legal framework, including same-sex unions, is not recognized under Tanzanian law.

The Deputy Minister added that the government has been implementing recommendations from the Criminal Justice Commission, including proposed changes to Section 176 of the Penal Code, Chapter 16, which aim to curb what the government describes as “acts of moral misconduct”.