It is noted that the court ruled unconstitutional two colonial-era laws that criminalized same-sex relationships between men. It was a landmark victory for the LGBT community in the southern African country.

The case was brought by Namibian activist Friedel Dausab, supported by the British nongovernmental organization Human Dignity Trust. After the court's decision, in comments to Reuters, he called it a great day for Namibia because "it will no longer be a crime to love".

"This victory also brings much-needed and renewed energy to other decriminalization efforts across Africa", Human Dignity Trust executive director Thea Brown said.

The court's decision, however, can be appealed by the Namibian government within 21 days.

Namibia inherited laws that criminalized same-sex relationships between men when it gained independence from South Africa in 1990. However, those laws were in place during colonial rule.

"South Africa has since decriminalised same-sex sexual activity and is the only country on the African continent that allows LGBTQ couples to adopt children, marry and enter into civil unions," the publication notes.

• The Thai Senate previously approved the legalization of same-sex marriage.